Full Breakdown
French Teen Charged Over Vending Machine Straw in Singapore
4/30/2026, 10:02:42 PM
Core Incident: Mischief and Public Nuisance Charges
On 12 March 2026, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, an 18-year-old French student at ESSEC Business School’s Singapore campus, filmed himself licking a straw from an iJooz orange-juice vending machine and returning it to the dispenser. He posted the clip with the caption “city is not safe.” He was charged on 24 April with mischief and public nuisance, offences carrying up to two years’ imprisonment and fines, or up to three months for the nuisance charge.
Background: Singapore’s Strict Public-Hygiene Regime
Singapore enforces strict regulations on public cleanliness, with heavy penalties for littering and vandalism. The iJooz incident prompted a rapid response from the company and law-enforcement, reflecting the city-state’s low tolerance for health threats.
Key Parties
The parties are Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, the 18-year-old French student; iJooz, the vending-machine operator; ESSEC Business School’s Singapore campus, which confirmed an internal review; and Singapore’s State Courts, which processed the charges.
Timeline of Events
The incident occurred on 12 March 2026. Formal charges were filed on 24 April. He was granted permission to travel to Manila in May. Media reports list a court date of 22 May, while The Straits Times notes 29 May.
Data & Penalties
iJooz replaced all 500 straws in the dispenser and announced plans for individually packaged, lockable straws. Mischief carries a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine; public nuisance carries up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine. Potential fines could reach thousands of dollars.
Official Statements & Responses
iJooz told Channel NewsAsia it lodged a police report, sanitized the machine and replaced the straws, and plans future upgrades to prevent contamination. An ESSEC Business School spokesperson confirmed the school’s awareness and an internal review. Maximilien’s lawyers said his parents arrived in Singapore and a school representative will act as bailor.
Public Backlash and Criticism
The Instagram video sparked online disgust, with users reposting the clip and condemning it as a health hazard. Critics warned of disease transmission and urged stricter hygiene enforcement for vending equipment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the court date—The Straits Times cites 29 May, while BBC, Vending Times and WION list 22 May. Penalty descriptions also vary between “more than two years” and “up to two years.” No official clarification has been offered.
Verbatim Quotes
- “city is not safe.” — Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, Instagram Story caption
- “licking a straw and placing it back at the vending machine” — Court documents
- “would or would probably cause annoyance to the public” — Court documents (public nuisance charge)
- “likely to cause wrongful loss or damage” — Court documents (mischief charge)
What’s Next
Maximilien is expected to appear before the State Courts in May. The outcome will determine whether Singapore’s legal framework imposes the maximum penalties for public-health violations and may influence future vending-machine design standards.
