The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the biggest song competitions in the world as the 65th edition saw Italy be declared the winner. Italian metal band Måneskin secured the victory with the performance of their song "Zitti e buoni,” but it was their post-victory green room celebration that has caused controversy.
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Footage of the band celebrating in their green room went viral on social media following the group’s victory. Video shows the band drinking and celebrating as lead singer Damiano David briefly bends his head over a table.
Speculation on social media began to fly that David was caught on camera doing drugs. The singer vehemently denied the claim as Variety reports David told reporters, “[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.”
The European Broadcasting Union, organizers of Eurovision, released a statement addressing the incident on Sunday. “We are aware of the speculation surrounding the video clip of the Italian winners of the Eurovision Song Contest in the Green Room last night.”
The organization said the band “strongly refuted” the allegations as David agreed to take a voluntary drug test after arriving at home.
Early Monday, Eurovision released another statement regarding the findings of their investigation.
“Following allegations of drug use in the Green Room of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 22 May, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), as requested by the Italian delegation, has conducted a thorough review of the facts, including checking all available footage,” the statement reads. “A drug test was also voluntarily undertaken earlier today by the lead singer of the band Måneskin which has returned a negative result seen by the EBU.”
In bold font, Eurovision declared “no drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed.”
The statement concluded by offering congratulations to Måneskin, but also expressed concern over the incident.
“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.”
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