French Student Fined S$600 After Viral Video Shows Him Licking iJooz Vending Machine Straw Before Putting It Back
A 19-year-old French student has been fined S$600 after filming himself licking a drinking straw from an iJooz orange juice vending machine before placing it back into the dispenser, a prank that sparked widespread outrage on social media and prompted a police investigation.
The incident took place on 12 March 2026 at Goldhill Centre along Thomson Road, where Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien approached an iJooz vending machine and recorded the act for an Instagram Story. The clip showed him removing a straw from the dispenser, licking it, and returning it for the next unsuspecting customer.
To accompany the video, he added the caption, “city is not safe”, which quickly drew criticism after it began circulating online. Many social media users condemned the stunt, describing it as unhygienic and irresponsible, with some calling for firm action against the teenager.
Viral Prank Triggered Police Report
Following the circulation of the video, iJooz lodged a police report over the incident. As a precautionary measure, the company also replaced all 500 drinking straws stored inside the affected vending machine to eliminate any potential health concerns.
The replacement exercise was carried out despite only one straw being directly involved in the prank, highlighting the company’s efforts to restore public confidence in the safety and hygiene of its vending machines.
The case also reignited discussions about social media challenges and viral content, with many questioning whether individuals are taking increasingly reckless actions in pursuit of online attention and engagement.
Pleaded Guilty To Public Nuisance Charge
The case was heard in court on 30 July 2026, where Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance.
The court imposed a fine of S$600 for the offence. While the financial penalty was relatively modest, the case attracted significant public attention because of the nature of the act and the widespread concern it generated among consumers.
The incident serves as another reminder that actions carried out for social media content can have real-world legal consequences, particularly when they risk public health, create alarm, or inconvenience businesses and members of the public. Companies may also incur unnecessary costs in replacing products or sanitising equipment following such incidents, even if no one is ultimately harmed.