A 19-year-old French student was fined in Singapore after licking a straw from an orange-juice vending machine as part of a viral stunt [1].
The incident highlights Singapore's strict approach to public order and hygiene, where social media challenges that disrupt public peace can lead to criminal charges.
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien pleaded guilty to a charge of public nuisance [1]. The court heard that Maximilien filmed himself licking a straw from the machine and then returning it to the dispenser [1]. The act was intended for a social-media stunt, creating a potential health risk for other users of the machine [1].
Maximilien was ordered to pay a fine of S$600 [1], which is approximately $465 in U.S. dollars [1]. Under Singaporean law, the offense of public nuisance can carry more severe penalties, including a jail term of up to three months [1].
Authorities said the fine serves as a deterrent against similar stunts that compromise public health and safety [1]. The case underscores the legal risks associated with recording prank videos in jurisdictions with rigorous public nuisance laws [1].
“Maximilien was ordered to pay a fine of S$600”
This case illustrates the intersection of global social media trends and local legal enforcement. By penalizing a viral prank as a criminal public nuisance, Singapore reinforces its commitment to strict public hygiene standards and signals that digital content creation does not exempt individuals from local laws.
