French Teen Faces Jail For Licking iJooz Straw; People Worldwide Are In Support Of S'pore For This Move

A French teen in Singapore, who could face jail time after he licked a straw from a vending machine and put it back, is hogging headlines — worldwide.

And it seems netizens around the world, not just in Singapore, are welcoming the punishment that he could potentially face.

Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, 18, was charged in Singapore on April 24 with mischief and public nuisance after allegedly filming himself licking a straw from an iJooz vending machine at Goldhill Plaza, then putting it back in the dispenser.

The video, originally posted on his Instagram Story with the caption “city is not safe”, quickly made its rounds online.

If found guilty, he could be jailed or fined, or both.

Unsurprisingly, his actions sparked disgust. However, surprisingly, the international response focused on Singapore’s famously strict laws. 

Comments on a BBC clip of the incident didn’t hold back, with most netizens supporting the legal action taken by the Singapore authorities.

“Play stupid games, win sterile prison time… Singapore doesn’t beta test hygiene,” said one.

Meanwhile another said: “He deserves it. Foreigners should respect the locals and the country they’re visiting.”

There were also comparisons between Europe and Singapore’s handling of criminals, with one netizen commenting: “I have no sympathy at all for that punk. Singapore, do what you’ve got to do.”

The most Singaporean take had to be this one: “He’s hardly a teen. If he lived in Singapore, he would be doing National Service by now and have learned to have some respect.”

Since the incident, iJooz told CNA that it had initiated sanitation protocols and inspections at its machine, including replacing 500 straws in the affected machine valued at S$5.

Maximilien, who is in Singapore on a Student Pass, was reportedly studying and living alone. His parents are expected to travel here, according to court records. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 22.

Photos: Singaporeincidents.sg/IG, BBC/IG