**Singapore Fines French Teen $465 for Viral Straw-Licking Stunt**
A Singapore court has imposed a fine of S$600 (approximately $465 or £348) on a French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, for a public nuisance incident involving a vending machine straw. The 19-year-old, who is currently studying in Singapore, pleaded guilty to the charge after posting a video on social media that showed him licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and then returning it to the dispenser.
The incident occurred on March 12 at an iJooz vending machine located in the Goldhill Centre, a well-known area in one of Singapore's affluent neighborhoods. Following the video's circulation on Instagram, which was captioned "city is not safe," it garnered widespread backlash, with many viewers expressing disgust at his actions. The video was subsequently shared on community pages and drew attention from local news outlets.
In response to the stunt, iJooz, the company that operates the vending machines, took immediate action by replacing all 500 straws in the affected machine to ensure customer safety. The vending machines, known for serving freshly squeezed orange juice at a price of S$2 per cup, are commonly found in various locations throughout Singapore, including shopping districts and train stations.
During the court proceedings, both the prosecution and the defense recommended a fine for Maximilien, who expressed remorse for his actions. His defense lawyer stated that Maximilien is "truly sorry for having caused all this trouble" and acknowledged that what he initially perceived as a playful act had serious consequences.
In Singapore, public nuisance offenses can carry penalties of up to S$2,000, three months in jail, or both. The case highlights the strict regulations in place regarding public behavior in the city-state, where such actions are taken seriously to maintain public order and hygiene.
As the incident continues to resonate within the community, it serves as a reminder of the potential repercussions of social media behavior and the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on public health and safety.