French Student Charged for Licking Vending Straw in Singapore

An 18-year-old French student in Singapore faces charges of public nuisance and mischief after allegedly licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine, placing it back in the dispenser, and posting a video of the act on Instagram. The incident occurred on March 12 at Goldhill Shopping Centre on Thomson Road.

Court documents state that Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien filmed himself committing the act, knowing it would or probably cause annoyance to the public. The public nuisance charge carries a maximum penalty of three months in jail and a fine of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars. The mischief charge, which alleges he knew his actions would cause wrongful loss or damage, is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. Charges were filed in a district court last Friday, with the next hearing scheduled for May 22. Bail has been offered at 5,000 Singapore dollars.

The video circulated widely on social media, prompting public health concerns and an investigation by authorities. iJooz, the company operating the vending machines, confirmed it became aware of the footage on the evening of March 24. "In the light of this incident, we have initiated additional internal...