French student fined in Singapore for licking vending machine straw

A French student studying in Singapore has been fined S$600 (approximately $440) for a bizarre act of licking a straw from a beverage vending machine and then placing it back. The 19-year-old, identified as Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, admitted to the charge of public nuisance in a Singaporean court.

Maximilien filmed himself licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine in a shopping mall and posted the video on Instagram with the caption "City is not safe." The video quickly went viral, drawing disgust from online users and widespread media attention.

The incident prompted the owner of the vending machine to replace all 500 straws. The student, who is studying business in Singapore, appeared in court and pleaded guilty. Prosecutors had sought the maximum fine for public nuisance, citing the risk to public trust in vending machine hygiene. However, the defense argued for a lighter penalty, noting Maximilien's young age, his early admission of guilt, and the fact that no one actually used the licked straw.

Maximilien, who is expected to return to France for studies from September to December, expressed remorse for his actions. "I truly regret causing all this trouble," he stated. "At the time, I thought it was a prank, but I realized that my actions could have very serious consequences." His defense also suggested the act was a performance intended for social media.

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I truly regret causing all this trouble. At the time, I thought it was a prank, but I realized that my actions could have very serious consequences.