EBU / THOMAS HANSES

Måneskin’s lead singer Damiano David has hit back at rumours alleging he was seen using drugs in the Eurovision Green Room. At the Eurovision winner’s press conference, the frontman firmly told media, “I don’t use drugs.”

The rumour had started on social media, where a clip was published showing Damiano bending over, with his head near the Green Room table.

On closer look, it is clear that Damiano’s hands were held at his sides, clenched in fists — an unlikely pose for someone about to snort drugs, but understandable for a competing artist physically reacting to the tension of the Eurovision grand final points reveal.

As well, it seems almost incomprehensible to think that someone would use drugs in the middle of a televised event, surrounded by television cameras and watched by millions of viewers.

Damiano responds to press conference question

At the Eurovision winner’s press conference, Swedish journalist Tobbe Ek of Aftonbladet newspaper questioned Damiano about the situation. The frontman explained what had been happening during the scene captured in the Green Room:

He said, “[Måneskin guitarist] Thomas broke a glass. I don’t use drugs, please guys. Please don’t say that.” His comments were met with applause, and he went on to add, “Please don’t say that. But really, no cocaine. Don’t say that.”

 

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Fans of the Italian group repeated that Damiano had previously taken stances against drugs in general. They also said that they would be surprised to see the singer using drugs, if he wanted to, on live television.

The group also posted on their Instagram stories, again refuting the claim and emphasising their anti-drugs stance:

“We are really shocked about what some people are saying about Damiamo doing drugs. We really are AGAINST drugs and we never used cocaine. We are ready to get [tested], cause we have nothing to hide. We are here to play our music and we are so happy about our Eurovision win and we wanna thank everyone for supporting us. Rock’n Roll never dies. We love you.”

But Måneskin haven’t let the allegation stop them from celebrating their Eurovision victory. They have been seen on social media enjoying champaign, having a victory game of table tennis and singing “El Diablo” into the crystal microphone.

Read all our Italy Eurovision news here

88 Comments
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Anna
Anna
3 years ago

Honestly I think it was a valid question just to debunk the allegations. I heard the journalists point of view and he is correct, why not ask when so many speculate about what happened? A simple no could have been the answer and it would be laid to rest but going to the extent of a drug test and whatever just is a bit of a stretch. To add any sane person understands that it is just dumb to use drugs openly live on an event like this. It is like robbing a bank full of cops and without a… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Anna
Anna
Anna
3 years ago
Reply to  Anna

because most people will remember the question and won’t give a fig about the answer.

Vale
Vale
3 years ago

What a vile behaviour from trolls. Instead to enjoy the victory, Maneskin had the day ruined by this awful defamatory campaign. After the singer will show the drug test, I hope he will sue newspapers and other people who spread the news. That again proves that Italy victory wasn’t welcomed not only by the jury but also by other people. Some UK papers today gave relevance only about this news regarding Eurovision! I am wondering why….

Last edited 3 years ago by Vale
Sama
Sama
3 years ago

Some French people are very bad losers

Gajetan
Gajetan
3 years ago
Reply to  Sama

We are not, we are very happy to be 2nd, french televoters voted a lot for Italy, so now stop to be as bad as the drug rumour spreader on twitter, and let french enjoy the succes of Barbara.

SerhatFanatic
SerhatFanatic
3 years ago

So ridiculous that this became a bigger story than Eurovision itself. Glad they are not letting this bring them down tho, they are really such a positive and energetic group!

Ffs
Ffs
3 years ago

Who cares … ESC is not the Holy Grail of moral standards

Irishfan
Irishfan
3 years ago

I’d say they need to forget about it and move on. I think there should be a weekly eurovision to bring excitement to life!

Ellen
Ellen
3 years ago

Oh god…. Who tf invented that bullsh*t drama ? That’s really nasty to create such a lie to discredit Måneskin victory. I’m so sad for them. They have to face the pettiness of some Twitter users — probably hateful eurofans — just after getting their victory. That’s really sad.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

Apparently this has made international news beyond the ESC bubble – my mum who barely knows about Eurovision asked me about it!

Kim
Kim
3 years ago

This is so unfortunate, he is clearly not snorting anything. This will remain an anecdote in Eurovision history forever.

Bella
Bella
3 years ago

This is social media for you, nothing but manufactured “scandals”. There is nothing to see there, and I can’t believe Damiano is nice enough to even submit himself to an actual drug test. Hopefully we get the results quickly and every one moves on from this.

Although I’m appalled that a French minister (Le Drian) also called for a drug test. It’s bad enough when it comes from nobodies on Twitter, but from a minister? Seriously?!

Gajetan
Gajetan
3 years ago
Reply to  Bella

(Le Drian didn’t call for a drug test, he said “Whether there is a problem is up to the eurovision’s ethics committee. If there is a need for testing, they will do the testing.”)

Gajetan
Gajetan
3 years ago
Reply to  Gajetan

No ! The journalist ask him this question, he just replied by saying that it was the Eurovision committee business, and that it was more important to focus on Barbara’s beautiful second place. I don’t see where is the endorsement !

Chr23
Chr23
3 years ago

I saw the video in slow motion and If you watch carefully he is far away from the table, bending over his knees with his fists clenched looking at something on the ground. It’s really sad that a random nervous gesture was made to look like drug use just because it fits the rock musician stereotype. It is also disrespectful and inappropriate towards the hosts, the winners and the televoters to ask this question when you can’t be sure if what you insinuate is true, 10 minutes after such a victory, ruining the whole vibe. It’s weird, but the lyrics… Read more »

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

The footage shows nothing close to what is being alleged. Damiano and Måneskin’s response is plausible, believable and, I would say, sincere. The story is ludicrous.

Michu
Michu
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Well, maybe not that time, but I’m pretty sure their guitar player was stoned af

Gajetan
Gajetan
3 years ago

So some fans are spreading rumors (from all over Europe -the video doesn’t come from France- ) ; some Maneskin fans are disrepectfull too…
Eurovision is a big party, not a war nor a political election, so enjoy, love, and respect tastes of everybody !
(And by the way, French televoters give 10pts to Italy !)

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago

Congratulations Italy however the answer given should be told to the marines.

John
John
3 years ago

By the way, alcohol is a drug too. And everybody was drinking like mad.Is there anything in the EBU rules against drinking alcohol?

Patrick
Patrick
3 years ago
Reply to  John

Let them drink for god sake!!!! What’s the problem?

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  John

Umm coffee is a drug too if you think about it but no one cares, same goes for alcohol

eurana
eurana
3 years ago
Reply to  John

Who gave alcohol for all delegations? Because all green room had champagne on the table. Of course EBU did it

Eve
Eve
3 years ago
Reply to  John

I think alcohol should be banned there at least during the show and not be shown on the tv.They can drink or do whatever but after the show and not in front of cameras.

Dxp322
3 years ago
Reply to  Eve

Why? Drinking alcohol is not illegal.

Anhel
Anhel
3 years ago

Congrats to everyone who invented it and was spreading it out yesterday. The most ugly and toxic rumor so far, and a slap in the face of the people who had just won 10 minutes ago. Well done, entitled eurovision stans, you almost ruined it for everybody.

Ted
Ted
3 years ago

Name and shame the person. Find out what country do they come from that started this fake news story and disqualify that country from the 2021 results. Allocate all the points accordingly.
Play fair and stop being a bitter loser!

Jack
Jack
3 years ago
Reply to  Ted

It started on French and British Twitter

Robert
Robert
3 years ago

People who think he snorted something obviously never snorted anything ever and it shows.

sam
sam
3 years ago
Reply to  Robert

and they should. to loosen up

Branko86
Branko86
3 years ago
Reply to  Robert

Or they snorted the wrong stuff.

Boreal
Boreal
3 years ago

“E parla, la gente purtroppo parla, non sanno che cosa parla…”

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Fake news spreading like fake news, as usual. And just like that, the Karens complaining are going to forget it in 24 hours. Let’s focus on what truly matters: CONGRATS ITALY!!!

JeyDelRey
JeyDelRey
3 years ago

France is not asking for Italy’s disqualification. They confirmed it. You guys won fair and square. And most people here respect that. Don’t say all french people are sore losers because it’s not true: most of us are honestly over the moon with our second place. It took us 30 years to get back to the top 3. Let’s celebrate each other instead of bashing on our countries. Congratulations Italy 🙂

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  JeyDelRey

I have always liked the French song .. and being Italian I also voted for televoting although it was a bit similar to an old French one. but I like the sound and the melody. I’m sorry, however, that now that Italy has won after 30 years there are controversies from French fans … not all of them though! and I’m sorry that the juries … some juries … always play their own games ……. usually neighboring countries help each other … especially northern Europe …. this is not the case with countries Mediterranean .. obviously ..! however, come on… Read more »

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
3 years ago
Reply to  JeyDelRey

I wish I could say it better but I can’t.

Mirko
Mirko
3 years ago

I’m really disappointed about those journalists, they’re trying to push them down only because their nation didn’t win. That’s ridiculous!
On France’s blog French people have been so rude since our victory; Barbara was amazing but she deserved better fans!

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  Mirko

France’s blog?!
Anyway, the Maneskin stans were rude too towards the others during the pre contest…
And no nobody tries to push them down more than the others sorry, and this thing doesn’t come from the french journalists so enjoy your victory and let the useless gossips for those who like this.

Nati
Nati
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

I think Maneskin guys are a bit arrogant, but separating their attitude from the music, I think they were awesome and deserved being 1st. Check out more videos from Maneskin on Youtube, Damiano is a great singer. Never liked French song, so I am going to zip it on that one.

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  Nati

Nope I don’t think they are arrogant, they are in their own universe, but I was talking about the Maneskin fans.
You don’t like the french song, it’s ok, but the results prove that it has appeal almost as much as the italian song and it’s the most important thing.

Nati
Nati
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Of course people like it, I only talk for myself when saying I don’t like it. I am very happy Italy has won.

Last edited 3 years ago by Nati
CyxCy
CyxCy
3 years ago
Reply to  Mirko

Unfortunately, there is a part of the French public which has a very bad spirit. Each year, whatever the candidate chooses, even before he goes to the competition, he takes criticism after criticism. They didn’t like Madame Monsieur because their song was about migrants, they didn’t like Bilal because LGBT and of foreign origin, they didn’t like Tom Leeb because his father is famous, they didn’t like either Barbara, moreover because “old French song”. These people say that every year we are going to finish last (which is wrong, we were last only once), but they don’t want France to… Read more »

Petra
Petra
3 years ago

No one in their right mind is gonna be stupid enough to use coke on live TV.

Last edited 3 years ago by Petra
Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago
Reply to  Petra

Quite right.were they in their right mind though? Just asking.

Maldric
Maldric
3 years ago

of course not darling … And you only drink water 🙂
I just don´t care about gossips
Congratulations to Italy

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

We would never know for sure what Damiano was doing ….. but I wonder …. if it was as they say … how did it end up in the singer’s hands with all the security that is in the controls and .. especially live when he knew very well that he was constantly caught by the cameras. and then how does France ask for the B disqualification for this! for her it would be a victory not conquered in battle … but conquered with the exclusion of her opponents … a miserable victory …. among other things if she puts… Read more »

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

What are you talking about? France has never asked for their disqualification!! Stop speading lies thank you.

JeyDelRey
JeyDelRey
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Quite the contrary actually. France said they won’t ask for disqualification. Yes we want to win, but we want to win it the right way. Not like that. Italy won fair and square and don’t trust the few french people who bash on it, most people here are happy with our second place. Let’s stop hating on each other. 2 big 5 in the top two should be celebrated.

ziki
ziki
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

He was cheering and he was just making IG stories. His phone was on the table. And on top of that there was glass on the floor. Information is free you know.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago

Lol, make that the cat wise we would say in the Netherlands xD. The guy on the left even ticks Damiano on the shoulder like ‘bro, there’s a cam on you’

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc
ESC Stan
ESC Stan
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

I’ve seen it on YouTube. If you have footage that shows damiano sniffing something in public view instead of just bending down I’d be glad to see it.

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

What about the photos?

Jo.
Jo.
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

His nose must have a vacuum power to sniff it from that distance LOL

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
3 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Not just any vacuum but an industrial one since it would have to be so hard that not even a spec ended up on his nostrils.

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Ebu should have taken action instantly so that if it wasn’t true, this nonsense would stop once and for all.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

I’m sorry but not even Fidel Castro would snort crack in front of thousands of people live and tens of millions of viewers at home

Ric
Ric
3 years ago

Talk,
unfortunately people talk,
they don’t know what they are talking about
Take me where I can stay afloat
Cause here I can’t breath.
I think Maneskin have already answered with their song.

Mameuh
Mameuh
3 years ago

He wasn’t.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Whoever thinks THIS is true is just a hater… Not everyone who has a hoarse voice does… THAT.

Last edited 3 years ago by Sot
Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

I am not a hater but I still believe it could be true.well done Italy

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  Escfan

If I remember correctly, you are a diehard Malta fan so yes, you’re biased

AdamZee
AdamZee
3 years ago

Soooooooo not fair trying to ruin Italy’s big moment! Do people honestly think the band would snort blow in an arena full of hundreds of cameras broadcasting live to all of Europe and Australia?!?!? Deal with it peeps, they won fair and square!!!
On another note, I was so happy to see how well Finland did with the televote – rock really came back this year!

Darren
3 years ago

It’s hard to say.
The guy next to Damiano nudging him when he saw the camera and the face of the HoD on the other side too.
We may never know for sure so until then just wish them the best.
I’m delighted for Italy, it’s been a long time coming for them, and it’s been soo close, soo many times.
Let the Italians enjoy this.

Last edited 3 years ago by Darren
Cbl
Cbl
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

That nudging was because the man with white hair was saying something to Damiano but he wasn’t paying attention but was looking down. Y’all are going crazy, like wow

Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Cbl

As I say in my comment, we don’t know and we may never know. Unless we where actually there we cannot say. I can’t say for sure and neither can you, so like wow

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Pretty sure it could be proven with:

A) The multiple cameras around.
B) Security
C) Any of the other performers or audience that was in plain view.
D) All of the above.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

Its going to be confirmed one way or another with a drug test

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
3 years ago
Reply to  Han

If they do the drug test after 2 days it wont show , if they wanted to be transparent they should have done it tonight

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago
Reply to  Cbl

Yes of course

Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Well obviously I hope that’s what it was.
I’m still glad they won, and not dissing them in anyway, it was a deserving victory, and I’m looking forward to ESC in Italy next year.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago

and that’s that on that. stay clean everyone !

Believe10
Believe10
3 years ago

Eurovision winners have to be role models (for future generations to come). There is photo proof of the broken glass. However there are also some photos indicating there was something else going on, but we can’t be sure. So I hope this will be investigated and cleared. However I am happy for the Italian people who can finally host Eurovision next year.

Serg
Serg
3 years ago
Reply to  Believe10

No, they don’t need to be a role model for anyone.

Safiya
Safiya
3 years ago
Reply to  Believe10

Eurovision winners need to have a good song, that’s all. They do not have to be role models. It is a song contest. Of course it is nice if the winner can be a great role model but what kind of pressure is that? Are we going to inspect people’s past now? Everyone can make mistakes. Let’s not exaggerate. And I am not even talking about Maneskin here, because there is no proof against them, but in general.

Believe10
Believe10
3 years ago
Reply to  Safiya

It’s not about the past, it’s about the present. I even believe that Maneskin will agree with me that they want to be role models by giving hope to many people and being different. All I was saying is that I hope the incident will be cleared out and that I am happy for the Italian people that they won Eurovision.

Ag89
Ag89
3 years ago
Reply to  Believe10

They don’t have to be role models to anyone. This is not Miss world.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
3 years ago
Reply to  Believe10

Link to the photo you speak of?

Lorenzo Celli
Lorenzo Celli
3 years ago

I can’t believe someone does all of this just to put someone down

Micky
Micky
3 years ago
Reply to  Lorenzo Celli

Facebook profiles of italian press is full of Maltese people insulting Maneskin… it’s incredible! It remind’s me the TIX victory in MGP last february. WHY SO MUCH HATE?

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Micky

Those Maltese people… don’t they see that, in the end, what they’re doing goes 100% against their beloved Destiny? And she doesn’t deserve that. A lot of fans are going to see Malta and Destiny as really bad losers, just because these fans are having the worst reaction possible.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Destiny had a terrible reaction as well, like, ok, it’s ok to be worried not to lose but don’t be grumpy all the time just because you’re 3rd in the juries and not 1st, jeez

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago

Sore loosers! Stop spreading lies!

AM2PM
AM2PM
3 years ago

He was clearly clenching both fists with a mix of anticipation and excitement and then lowered his head to the table, probably to let it all sink in.

If you show someone the video and say he’s snorting something then that’s what they’ll see BUT if you look closer you’ll see that he’s absolutely not.

It’s pathetic that people would stoop so low.

Cacao
Cacao
3 years ago

Photographers present in the green room showed pictures where it’s clear that the table is at least twenty centimeters under Damiano’s head. Two options: He has the best nose in the world or this is another imbécility born in the universe of social media. I take option two. Bravo l’Italie, vous méritez la victoire !

Matt
Matt
3 years ago

All these rumors, just to criticize them and put them down of doing something that embarrassing and in front of the cameras.. shame on the journalism and social media for such accusations..

And nothing will take their deserved WIN.. Viva La Italia.. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

nycforever
nycforever
3 years ago
Reply to  Matt

Seems like twitter was created to spread dirt and hate all over the place.

Eugenie
Eugenie
3 years ago
Reply to  nycforever

Well, it usually does it job. The funniest thing about “Twitter” is that typical “Twitter” “warrior” is so full of arrogance that he even don’t notice his stupidity. That’s the case, I think.