Eurovision fans fear Italy will be stripped of their win if band fail drug test after shock ‘cocaine’ claims
EUROVISION fans fear Italy will be stripped of their win after shock “cocaine” claims as champions Måneskin prepare to take drug tests.
The rock group’s lead singer Damiano David has furiously slammed speculation that he was caught snorting cocaine live on air during yesterday’s show.
The victorious band immediately offered to be tested for any illegal substances, and a spokesperson for Eurovision has confirmed that no drugs were found – and that Måneskin’s claims on what was really going on in the suspicious video adds up.
But viewers are concerned about what could happen to the winners amid the scandal, with some admitting their fear that they could lose their victory despite being innocent.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “I wonder has anyone who’s won #Eurovision ever been stripped of the prize after? Just wondering #Italy”.
Another asked: “Do we think Italy could get stripped of their title? Will it get handed to France in second place?”
A third said: “I hope Italy don’t get stripped of their win, it’s a shame for all this to distract from their victory if he wasn’t doing anything wrong!”
Måneskin will take a test as soon as they arrive home in Italy, with the group originally volunteering to undergo one while still at the Rotterdam ceremony.
A Eurovision spokesperson said in a statement: “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 band have strongly refuted the allegations of drug use and the singer in question will take a voluntary drug test after arriving home.
“This was requested by them last night but could not be immediately organized by the EBU.
“The band, their management and head of delegation have informed us that no drugs were present in the Green Room and explained that 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.”
Last night, Damiano denied taking drugs in press conference after their win, saying: “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.”
Those watching at home noticed as he appeared to lean directly over the table while the rest of the group cheered as the hosts interviewed Malta’s act – seemingly unaware that he was on camera.
One person tweeted: “Was he or was he not snorting #Eurovision”
Another added: “So what is this Italian lead singer doing at #Eurovision? Is he snorting something?”
During the competition, the high-kicking lederhosen and eyeliner-wearing Italians, who were favourites, beat off stiff competition from France and Switzerland with their song “Zitti e Buoni”.
It was Italy’s third Eurovision win and its first since 1990.
In a nailbiting finish, they lay in fourth place after a vote by national juries that left Switzerland in the lead, before a huge public vote sent them soaring into the lead with 524 points.
Most read in Celebrity
Bassist Victoria De Angelis said their victory “could be a message of hope” to Italy, which was particularly hard-hit by the virus.
“We’re honoured to be bringing it back after 31 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the UK suffered a humiliating defeat as contestant James Newman landed bottom of the leader-board without winning a single point.
We were the only act of the 26-strong competition to end the show on zero.