An 18-year-old French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, is being prosecuted by Singaporean authorities after posting a video of himself removing a straw from an orange juice vending machine, licking it, and then placing it back in the customer compartment. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. The scene, filmed by the young man, was subsequently shared on social media, where it quickly sparked numerous reactions and caused outrage in Singapore.
Two charges have been brought.
The young Frenchman is being prosecuted for mischief and public nuisance. According to court documents, iJooz, the company that operates the vending machine in question, had to remove and replace the 500 straws in the machine after the incident. The company also carried out a complete disinfection of the machine. Authorities also accuse him of filming the scene and then posting the video online, contributing to its widespread dissemination.
Up to 2 years imprisonment
In Singapore, the offense of willful damage is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. The charge of public disorder carries a maximum sentence of three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to 2.000 Singapore dollars, or both. At this stage, no conviction has been handed down, and the young man has not yet entered a plea of guilty or not guilty.
A student allowed to temporarily leave Singapore
Enrolled at ESSEC Business School in Singapore, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien had obtained special permission to temporarily leave the country to undertake a mandatory academic trip to the Philippines, essential for completing his degree. Upon returning to Singapore, he appeared in court again. The case was adjourned to a later hearing, as the legal proceedings are still ongoing.
