Singapore fines French teen $465 for viral straw‑licking stunt
In a bold move that caught the attention of social media users, 19‑year‑old French student Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien filmed himself licking a disposable straw from an iJooz orange‑juice vending machine before re‑inserting it. The clip, posted to Instagram with the caption 'city is not safe', quickly went viral and was widely shared across community pages and local news outlets.
Both the prosecution and the defendant’s lawyers sought only a fine, and the court ultimately imposed a penalty of S$600 (about US$465) for a single count of public nuisance. Singapore’s legal framework allows for fines up to S$2,000, a maximum three‑month jail term, or both for such offences.
Following the incident, the manufacturer iJooz promptly replaced all 500 straws in the affected machine. The company confirmed that it would conduct a thorough review of its hygiene protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.
iJooz vending machines, priced at S$2 per cup, are a common staple across shopping districts, train stations, and housing blocks throughout the city, offering freshly squeezed orange juice to commuters and shoppers alike.
Maximilien licked the straw at an iJooz machine located within Goldhill Centre on 12 March, after completing a boxing workout, according to Channel News Asia reports.
