Showbiz
Greg Evans
May 24, 2021
Italy’s dramatic victory at the Eurovision song contest on Saturday is being overshadowed by accusations that the winning act was taking drugs at the event.
Rock group Måneskin won the competition with their song ‘Zitti e Buoni’, which earned 524 points after the public votes were counted.
However, shortly after their triumph, videos began circulating on social media that suggested lead singer Damiano David had been partying a bit too hard.
The group were questioned about the clip which had already gone viral by the time they sat down for the post-show press conference. David denied the accusations explaining: “Thomas [guitarist Thomas Raggi] broke a glass... I don’t use drugs. Please, guys, do not say that. Don’t say that really. No cocaine please, do not say that.”
A post from the group’s Instagram stories also stated that they were shocked at the claims about them taking cocaine and that they were prepared to do a drugs test as they have ‘nothing to hide.’
Måneskin reiterated their stance on Monday morning with an interview on BBC Breakfast where they said that they were “really offended” by the drug accusations which was now “overshadowing” their victory.
Now images from an Instagram story have emerged on social media which would appear to back up David’s story and potentially prove his innocence.
OH LOOK A BROKEN GLASS #Eurovision #Eurovision2021 #Italy https://t.co/BAGDII6TSf— Bennyg (@Bennyg) 1621764966
To everyone who keeps saying Damiano was using drugs: here's the proof that Thomas really broke that glass as they… https://t.co/NBlTByOYmH— Francesco Giaquinto (@Francesco Giaquinto) 1621754311
A renaissance art history graduate also created a TikTok to explain why she believed the musician was not snorting cocaine – namely, because the angles and heights of the picture don’t match up.
Look I don't know if this person is correct BUT this is the sort of energy I want to see behind debunking We all… https://t.co/aPw2Gtk937— Rachael Krishna (@Rachael Krishna) 1621856070
Eurovision has since released a statement where they confirmed that there was broken glass at the Italian’s table but that the singer would still be drugs tested.
“The band, their management and head of delegation have informed us that no drugs were present in the Green Room and explained that a glass was broken at their table and it was being cleared by the singer.
“The EBU can confirm broken glass was found after an on site check. We are still looking at footage carefully and will update with further information in due course.”
Top 100
The Conversation (0)