Story perspectives

Singapore Teen Fined S$600 for Viral Straw-Lick Prank

7/31/2026

Summary

Maximilien Fined

A Singapore court fined Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien S$600 after he pleaded guilty to public nuisance for licking a vending-machine straw on 12 March.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew reduced the fine to S$600, citing Maximilien’s youth, early plea and that no other customer used the straw, despite prosecutors seeking S$2,000.
iJooz filed a police report, sanitized the dispenser, replaced 500 straws and will switch to individually wrapped straws.

Summary

Maximilien Faces Fine

The Instagram video posted on 12 March went viral in early April, sparking public criticism and a police report.
iJooz disinfected the vending unit and replaced all 500 straws, a costly remedial action.
Judge Kelly Ho fined Maximilien, citing his age and the minor nature of the act.
Commentators say the ruling signals Singapore will treat viral prank videos as punishable public-order offenses.

History

Historical Context

Singapore’s use of modest fines to police online behaviour stems from the Protection from Harassment Act of 2014, which criminalised cyber-bullying and allowed penalties up to S$5,000. A 2019 amendment expanded the Act to cover doxxing and created a specialised State Courts division. Judge Kelly Ho’s recent S$600 fine for a viral prank follows this legislative trajectory.

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Maximilien Fined

A Singapore court fined Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien S$600 after he pleaded guilty to public nuisance for licking a vending-machine straw on 12 March.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew reduced the fine to S$600, citing Maximilien’s youth, early plea and that no other customer used the straw, despite prosecutors seeking S$2,000.
iJooz filed a police report, sanitized the dispenser, replaced 500 straws and will switch to individually wrapped straws.

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