In brief
In a surprising court decision, a French student studying in Singapore was fined S$600 after he posted a video of himself licking a straw from an orange‑juice vending machine and putting it back inside. The act, captured on Instagram, sparked outrage across social media and local news coverage. The vending machine operator, iJooz, responded by replacing all 500 straws in the dispenser. Although public nuisance penalties in Singapore can reach S$2,000 or jail time, both the prosecution and defence sought only a fine, and the student expressed remorse for his actions.
The city‑state rolled up its sleeves – a 19‑year‑old French exchange student was fined S$600 for a viral video that showed him licking a straw from an iJooz orange‑juice vending machine and returning it.
Swiping the straw after a workout at Goldhill Centre, Maximilien posted the clip to Instagram, calling the city “not safe” and provoking disgust across social media.
The video was shared on a community page and was covered by local news outlets, prompting the vending‑machine company to replace every straw inside the dispenser.
In Singapore public nuisance cases can carry up to a S$2,000 fine or three months in jail, but both the state prosecutor and defence counsel asked for a monetary penalty only.
Maximilien expressed remorse, stating he now recognises the stunt’s danger and has caused serious trouble.
iJooz machines, widely found in shopping districts, train stations, and dormitories, offer freshly squeezed cups for two dollars each.
