French Teenager Didier Maximilien Charged in Singapore After Vending Machine Incident

A French teenager, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, 18, has been charged in Singapore with committing mischief and being a public nuisance. The charges stem from an alleged incident on 12 March, where Maximilien reportedly licked a straw from an orange juice vending machine before placing it back into its dispenser at a shopping centre.

A video of Maximilien performing the act was uploaded to Instagram with the caption "city is not safe", and subsequently circulated widely online, drawing significant public condemnation. In response, iJooz, the company owning the vending machine, replaced all 500 straws within the affected dispenser and initiated police action, along with comprehensive sanitation protocols and inspections.

Maximilien, who is currently studying at the Singapore branch of the Essec Business School, faces a maximum jail sentence exceeding two years and substantial fines if convicted of both charges. His parents have reportedly travelled to Singapore, and a representative from his school is expected to act as his bailor. The case is scheduled for another court hearing on 22 May.