French Student Faces Legal Action Over Social Media Prank in Singapore
A young French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, faced legal consequences in Singapore due to a controversial social media stunt. The 19-year-old was fined 600 Singapore dollars ($465) after admitting to a public nuisance charge for filming himself licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and then placing it back. This incident took place at a shopping mall in March, and the video quickly gained attention online, leading to legal charges in April.
Maximilien, who studies at a business school in Singapore, confessed to the act, which was intended for his social media audience. Prosecutors argued that the prank could have undermined public trust in the hygiene of vending machines. Although the public nuisance charge could have resulted in a three-month prison sentence, the court opted for a monetary fine after considering that Maximilien was young, pleaded guilty early, and there was no public harm since he retrieved the straw himself.
The prosecution initially sought a maximum fine of 2,000 Singapore dollars ($1,551). They also mentioned that Maximilien would be in France from September to December as part of his education. His defense lawyer, Kalidass Murugayan, emphasized that the stunt was not meant to harm others, as Maximilien later used the straw himself. The lawyer stated, “He is truly sorry for having caused all this trouble,” and added that his parents would ensure he personally paid the fine.
Following the incident, iJooz, the vending machine operator, took action by filing a police report, sanitizing the affected machine, and replacing all 500 straws. The company also announced plans to upgrade their machines with improvements such as individually packaged straws and secure compartments that only open post-transaction.
Singapore, known for its strict regulations on public conduct and hygiene, imposes substantial penalties for offenses like littering and vandalism. In light of the incident, Singapore’s immigration authorities will deliberate on whether Maximilien will retain his student visa, factoring in all elements of the case.
Maximilien, who lives in Singapore without family support, did not comment to the press as he exited the court. The incident highlights the city-state’s commitment to maintaining public order and cleanliness amid increasing social media-driven antics.
