French Teen in Straw Licking Case Allowed to Leave SG for Manila Internship

French Teen in Straw Licking Case Allowed to Leave SG for Manila Internship

The French teen in Singapore's straw licking case can leave the country for an internship in Manila. A Singapore court gave 18-year-old Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien permission while he faces criminal charges over a viral video.

For Filipinos in Singapore, the case shows how far SG laws reach over public conduct, both offline and online.

What Happened: The Viral Straw Stunt

On March 12, Maximilien took a straw from the dispenser of an iJooz orange juice vending machine, licked it and put it back, according to the charges.

He filmed the act, edited the video on Snapchat and uploaded it to his Instagram Story.

The video went viral and drew a public backlash. Police arrested him in Singapore soon after.

iJooz reportedly had to replace all 500 straws in the dispenser.

Facing Charges: Public Nuisance and Mischief

Maximilien faces two charges:

• Public nuisance: for filming and uploading the video, knowing it "would or would probably cause annoyance to the public." In Singapore, any act that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public can count as public nuisance.
• Mischief: for licking the straw and returning it, knowing it was "likely to cause wrongful loss or damage" to iJooz. Replacing all the straws counted as that loss.

The penalties:

• Mischief: up to two years in jail, a fine, or both.
• Public nuisance: up to three months in jail, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.

Temporary Leave for Manila Internship

Maximilien studies in Singapore and is out on bail. His lawyer asked for permission to travel because the Manila internship is a requirement for him to graduate.

The judge approved the request, and the prosecution raised no objections. The conditions:

• He must remain contactable while overseas.
• He had to post a S$5,000 bond to ensure his return.
• His next court date moved from May 22 to May 29 to fit his travel.

Why This Case Matters to Filipinos in Singapore

1. Singapore's Laws Are Strict and Enforced

A prank elsewhere can mean charges here. That covers littering, public nuisance and property damage. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) enforces these laws.

2. Social Media Actions Have Real-World Consequences

A video meant for a few friends can go viral and turn into a legal case. Think twice before you post.

3. Respect for Public Hygiene and Property

Singapore treats acts like the straw stunt as a risk to public health and to businesses. That is why mischief and public nuisance charges carry weight.

4. Consequences for Foreigners

On a work pass or student visa, a conviction can affect your pass renewal and future jobs, or lead to deportation. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) handles immigration matters, and criminal records can shape its decisions.

5. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

At an HDB void deck, an MRT station or a hawker centre, small acts of courtesy go a long way.

Practical Takeaway

Singapore applies its laws to everyone, whatever their nationality. Know the rules on public conduct and social media.

If you are ever unsure about a legal matter, get advice from a lawyer in Singapore.

Sourced and rewritten with original FIS analysis from: www.channelnewsasia.com.

Hero image: "Singapore Old-Supreme-Court-Building-01.jpg" by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.