French Teen Fined for Viral Straw-Licking Stunt in Singapore

Jul 30, 2026

65 min

Jul 30, 2026 04:30

French teen fined $465 in Singapore over viral straw-licking stunt

## Incident Overview

A 19-year-old French national, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, faced legal consequences in Singapore after a video of him licking a straw and placing it back in a vending machine went viral. The incident, which occurred on March 12, led to his arrest due to Singapore's strict public order and hygiene regulations.

## Legal Proceedings

Maximilien pleaded guilty to the charge of public nuisance and was fined Sg$600 (approximately $465). The court, led by Judge Kelly Ho, opted for a financial penalty rather than probation or community service, considering the minor nature of the offense and the absence of harm to the public.

## Courtroom Details

During the court session, Maximilien appeared composed, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt. His parents attended the hearing but chose not to comment afterward. The defense, represented by Kalidass Murugaiyan, argued for a fine, citing logistical challenges in arranging a guardian for community service in Singapore and Maximilien's need to return to France for his studies.

## Singapore's Strict Stance

Singapore is known for its stringent enforcement of public behavior laws. This case follows a previous incident where an Australian was deported after serving a jail term for disrupting a public event. The city-state continues to uphold its reputation for maintaining public order and hygiene.

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