Damiano David, the flamboyant singer of Italy's Eurovision-winning rockers Maneskin, has tested negative for drugs, the contest organisers said Monday, following a furore over speculation he snorted cocaine at the final.
The lederhosen-clad vocalist was tested after footage of him leaning over a table in the hospitality area of the competition in Rotterdam went viral.
Eurovision, the kitsch annual televised pop music extravaganza watched by hundreds of millions each year, is put together by the European Broadcasting Union.
The Geneva-based EBU said that following allegations of drug use backstage, it had reviewed the facts, including checking all available footage.
It said Damiano David voluntarily underwent a drugs test on Monday "which has returned a negative result seen by the EBU".
"No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed. We are alarmed that inaccurate speculation leading to fake news has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band."
NEW - Eurovision 2021: Italy winner Maneskin’s Damiano David denies "using cocaine" after a viral video, offers a drug test. European Broadcasting Union now investigates, according to the spokesperson (BILD)pic.twitter.com/Qh6CSHRe69
— Disclose.tv 🚨 (@disclosetv) May 23, 2021
"We wish to congratulate Maneskin once again and wish them huge success," the EBU said.
"We look forward to working with our Italian member Rai on producing a spectacular Eurovision Song Contest in Italy next year."
'Just the beginning'
David was asked about the footage during a press conference early on Sunday, and said he had been looking down because guitarist Thomas Raggi had broken a glass.
The four-piece, which also features Victoria De Angelis on bass and Ethan Torchio on drums, told fans on Twitter: "We still can't believe what's going on, these last few days have been incredible and this is just the beginning.
"Our new album 'Teatro D'Ira' has just gone platinum, and so has 'Le Parole Lontane'. This is all thanks to you."
"We can't wait to go on tour all around the world and share our music with all of you."
(AFP)
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