Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Louis Chilton

Eurovision 2021: Italian winners Maneskin deny doing drugs during ceremony

Photograph: Eurovision/Getty

Italian rock band Måneskin, the winners of last night’s (22 May) Eurovision Song Contest, have denied taking drugs while on air.

In one part of the live broadcast of the ceremony, singer Damiano David was seen leaning forward while sat at a table, prompting viewers to suggest that he was sniffing cocaine.

The footage does not contain evidence of drug use, and some viewers have suggested that David’s proximity to the table, and the fact that his hands were visible in-shot, showed that nothing illicit was going on.

In a statement, the Eurovision communications team said: “We are aware of the speculation surrounding the video clip of the Italian winners of the Eurovision Song Contest in the Green Room this evening and are looking into it.”

According to the singer, he was picking glass off the floor after it was dropped by bandmate Thomas Raggi.

In an Instagram story, the band wrote: “We are really shocked about what some people are saying about Damiano doing drugs. We really are AGAINST drugs and we never used cocaine. We are ready to get tested, ‘cause we have nothing to hide.

“We are here to play our music and we are so happy about our Eurovision win and we wanna thank everyone for supporting us. Rock n roll never dies. We love you.”

Speaking to press after the contest, David also explained the incident to reporters, saying: “Thomas broke a glass... I don’t use drugs.”

Måneskin were crowned champions on the night for their performance, while the UK finished with a total of zero points.

You can catch up with the ceremony’s biggest talking points here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.