French Teen Fined in Singapore for 'Straw Licking' Social Media Stunt

A 19-year-old French national has been fined in Singapore after admitting to a public nuisance charge for a social media stunt. Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien pleaded guilty to posting a video of himself licking a straw and then placing it back into the dispenser of an orange juice vending machine.

“

age and nature of the offence

The incident, which occurred on March 12, quickly went viral on Instagram, sparking public backlash and leading to Maximilien's arrest. Singapore is known for its stringent enforcement of public order and hygiene regulations. Judge Kelly Ho stated that given Maximilien's age and the nature of the offense, alternatives like probation or community service were not warranted.

“

lower end

Prosecutors agreed to a fine, characterizing the offense as being on the "lower end" of seriousness. They noted that while hygiene was compromised, no member of the public consumed the contaminated drink, thus presenting no evidence of harm. The prosecution also acknowledged that Mr. Maximilien pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“

was no evidence of harm

Maximilien's defense counsel argued for a fine, citing logistical difficulties with community-based sentences due to the teenager's need to return to France for his studies in September. The lawyer conveyed that Maximilien was "fully sorry for having caused all this trouble" and had received counseling from his family. Singapore's strict approach to public stunts is well-documented, with past cases involving deportation for similar disruptive behavior.

“

pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity