An 18-year-old French student attending business school in Singapore now faces criminal prosecution after a social media prank video went viral, showing him contaminating a vending machine straw.
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien received formal charges on April 24 for mischief and public nuisance violations, according to reporting from The Straits Times, Singapore’s primary English-language publication. The incident took place at a shopping center on March 12, where surveillance allegedly captured him licking a straw from an orange juice dispenser before returning it to the machine.
On Wednesday, a judge approved Maximilien’s request to leave the country temporarily for an educational trip to Manila scheduled from May 2-25, which his school requires for graduation completion. His next court appearance is set for May 29.
The criminal charges carry significant potential consequences. Mischief violations can result in imprisonment up to two years, monetary penalties, or both punishments combined. Public nuisance charges are somewhat lighter, with maximum sentences of three months behind bars, fines, or both.
IJooz, the beverage vending company affected by the incident, contacted police authorities and took immediate action by thoroughly sanitizing the affected dispenser and replacing all 500 straws contained within the machine. The company announced plans to implement enhanced safety protocols, including individually wrapped straws and compartment locks that activate only after payment completion.
Legal representatives for the student, who remains enrolled at a French business institution in Singapore, refused to provide statements when approached by media outlets.
The city-state maintains strict oversight of public conduct and sanitation standards throughout its compact, heavily populated territory. These regulations encompass various restrictions, including chewing gum limitations and severe consequences for littering and property damage violations.
