The lead singer of Eurovision Song Contest winners Maneskin, from Italy, did not take drugs, an enquiry by organizer European Broadcasting Union has concluded.
“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,” EBU said in a statement. “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.”
“No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed,” EBU added.
“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,” EBU continued.
“We wish to congratulate Måneskin once again and wish them huge success. We look forward to working with our Italian member Rai on producing a spectacular Eurovision Song Contest in Italy next year,” EBU concluded.
Maneskin won the event on Saturday. In the celebrations that followed, footage shared widely on social media depicted the band drinking and celebrating at their table during the event, with lead singer Damiano David’s head briefly bent over the table.
David had shut down any speculation at a press conference on Saturday, following the group’s victory. “[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 band frontman had told reporters.