French teenager fined in Singapore for vending machine straw-licking prank
A 19-year-old French national was fined S$600 (US$465) by a Singapore court for public nuisance. The charge stemmed from a viral video showing the teenager licking a straw and returning it to an automated vending machine.
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, 19, appeared in a Singapore court on Thursday to face charges related to a viral video recorded on March 12. In the footage, Maximilien was seen licking a straw before placing it back into an iJooz orange juice vending machine. He pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance, while a second charge of mischief was taken into consideration by the court during sentencing.
The incident gained widespread attention after the video was shared online. According to the defense, the footage was recorded by someone within the teenager's own Instagram circle and subsequently forwarded to a media outlet, which led to the video going viral. The court ultimately imposed a fine of S$600, equivalent to approximately US$465. The case highlights Singapore’s strict approach to public hygiene and nuisance offenses, even when such acts are committed as pranks.
📡 Media Analysis
How each outlet framed the story — angles, word choices, and what they chose to push or ignore.
Reported the incident as a straightforward legal matter involving a social media prank.
"viral straw-licking prank"
✓ Only outlet to report: The detail that the video was leaked to the media by someone in the teenager's own Instagram circle.
🔍 What Nobody's Reporting
- ·The perspective or statement from the vending machine company (iJooz) regarding the incident.
- ·Whether the teenager faced any immigration or visa consequences beyond the court fine.
📰 Sources
0 A-rated source(s) among 1 total. Lowest trust: SCMP (B)