Damiano David — the lead singer of Italy’s Eurovision 2021 winning act Måneskin — has already said that he’ll take a voluntary drugs test to prove he did not use cocaine during the voting segment of the Eurovision 2021 grand final. That’s in addition to explicitly saying — during the Eurovision 2021 winner’s press conference — that he does not use drugs.
Now France’s Europe Minister Clement Beaune, who attended the contest in Rotterdam, has weighed in on the matter, calling for “total transparency” during an interview with RMC radio.
“I think there needs to be no doubt here, and total transparency,” he said. “If there is a problem, there are penalties… Provisions are made for sanctioning measures, including potential disqualification in case of problems.”
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The rumour of alleged drug use had started on social media during the show on Saturday, when 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.
He’s said bandmate Thomas broke a glass, and that he was reaching down to move shards. The European Broadcasting Union has subsequently confirmed that it did find a shattered glass beneath the table.
Damiano has subsequently told the BBC that he feels “really offended” and that the rumour has “actually overshadowed our winning.”
France will NOT contest Italy’s win
France’s Barbara Pravi finished second in the contest, which naturally raises questions about the French minister’s motivations. But he insists it’s not a case of sour grapes.
“I don’t want to be a sore loser,” Beaune said, adding that “in terms of image, we can’t let people think that such competitions can result in such behaviour.”
Despite the strong language from the Minister, France’s broadcaster says it will not petition to have Italy’s win overturned.
“France has absolutely no intention to lodge an appeal,” France Televisions boss Delphine Ernotte told the Parisien newspaper. “The vote was quite clearly in Italy’s favour — it didn’t steal its victory and that’s what matters.”
France’s contestant has stood up for Måneskin.
Writing on Insta, she says: “I see that there are controversies that are being played out without me in the place of the victory (so so deserved!) of my Italian friends so I repeat here what I have already said in the media: @maneskinofficial were GREAT on Saturday evening, they were elected by the viewers, it is their place, their victory, their moment.”
Earlier, she told France 2: “What’s true is that they were chosen by both the public and the jury. Afterwards, if they use drugs or they put their underwear on backwards or whatever… it’s not my problem.”
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ZITTI E BUONI.
The French are such sore nasty losers! Never will I vote for them ever again.
Ruining someone else’s win with slander and fake news. Disgusting!
She’s so wholesome I honestly love her so much
the entry of france would have won the eurovision but in the eurovision from the 60 or 70’s
I love Barbara even more now. The queen of hearts
To all the people demanding Maneskin receive an apology or that there is legal action. Whilst I get the sentiment, from what I’ve seen of Maneskin they would probably want everyone to drop it and let them enjoy their much deserved victory.
Totally! Let it go and move on.
Not really, they said they were waiting for the apology from parimarch. For now.
As a French I feel very really shamefull by how french politics and press react. They didn’t have the right to intervene in this, it’s only France.TV (broadcaster) and the French Deleguation who can speak and they said, as Barbara said, didn’t want to hear that, never wait to disqualify Italy and they Maneskin and Congratulate the band. The problem is, now many Italians will see as bad looser or tcheater or I don’t know but we gave them 10 points in the televote because the french people like Maneskin performance. So just please separate the French with the French… Read more »
Don’t worry about that. As Italian I can tell you that most people here know that not all French believed in this fakes news. We have really low-quality press like Paris Match as well and are aware of how they work. I hope to see many french fans in Italy next year and cheering to a fantastic song like the one Barbara wrote and sung in Rotterdam. Paris 2023… I wouldn’t mind <3
oh, and btw… even some Italians believed, and still believe, that whole thing. haters gonna hate hate hate
I appreciate Barbara’s words, a real elegant and classy young lady!
This French Minister really put Barbara in a difficult situation. She handled it very gracefully, making me even more angry that she didn’t win.
Italy was good, but I’d have placed it #6 to #8 …. I thought Finland was better, frankly.
The French entry was so beautiful and performed so perfectly. Too bad it didn’t win.
Also, regarding the Swiss entry, did anyone else find it a bit “creepy” ? I think the camera was getting way too close to his face, it made me feel uncomfortable.
No, I found the Swiss entry perfection.
Italy deserved to win and they are rightfully number 1, full stop! Sweden performance was amazing. I did not like France entry.
I really liked the Swiss entry. I think the only thing that was off about it for me was the costume choice, but that is quite trivial in of itself.
What’s wrong with these French people?! They spread some nasty rumours back in 2019 when Viki Gabor was winning Junior Eurovision and Carla, representing France, was one of the favourites. Can’t they accept a loss with dignity?! And I mean, second or third position is still a huge success, so speaking of a loss is an exaggeration.
It’s not the French as the people, it’s the press (Paris Match) and politics. Many move on. We shouldn’t put them together.
And then they won junior eurovision by using playback and not giving points to the favourites, and wanted everyone else to stay quiet… like..???????????
It’s obliged to give points to the favourites? I missed this rule sorry. Who decides who are the favourites?
Yes Valentina has won junior eurovision with a huuuuuge margin without playback and the Ebu made a statement about it like they did for Maneskin so yeah stay quiet it’s better. Like…?????
You need to get your hearing checked out if you still refuse to believe Valentina’s performance was playback. Which is NOT Valentina’s fault btw, but the fault of the people who decided to add the studio vocals to her performance. Russia and Belarus, same story.
Which rumors? Who has talked of a loss? This France bashing for everything has to stop now!
Barbara handled this so well, she is an angel and needs to be protected. People should focus on her massive success, 2nd place is the best result for France since 1991 (when ESC was hosted in Rome!). She did the impossible to make people vote for France. No props, just herself and emotions. She was friendly to everyone and posted about Maneskin!
On the other hand, Damiano posted his results on twitter today with caption ‘Voila’… immature!
It is not just french press.. I’ve seen that topic in every single country that is participating at Eurovision and on every European language..
France’s Europe Minister Clement Beaune was in Rotterdam??? wow i guess he wanted to use a potential victory on his advantage and also Macron’s benefit…
I think the French should have made a better campaign for Barbara… for example Italian celebrities for the first time ever were posting about Maneskin and asking everyone to vote. I am talking about Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzoti etc.
I didn’t see any big French artist doing the same for Barbara…
We’ll have to explain it to me then. Because when Bilal leaned on his fan base and influential social media friends to ask for votes, he got buckets of criticism and hate on his head. so we are asking for votes, are we not asking? Anyway Barbara is very shy and discreet, it was already a huge challenge for her to get into the competition. So I don’t see her asking for votes from anyone.
Barbara is a Queen!! And as expected, Damiano didn’t take anything. The drama is over. Now, let’s celebrate Måneskin’s victory, the rising of rock songs and the success of national languages at ESC.
You won’t steal Italys victory no matter how hard you try bitter queens. Juries did it once, people didn’t allow to happen twice
That minister doesn’t ‘want to be a sore loser’? Well, sorry, sir, that’s just what you are if not even the French broadcaster complains.
Time to move on from this drug allegations (which also wouldn’t bother me if they were true – I guess drug use is far more widespread than any of us could even imagine).
He has accused nobody, he was asked about it today because of the polemic and it was his answer, “IF there are problems it should have penalities” that’s all. Now people without thinking quickly says yeah France are sore losers, France wants to steal the victory……….these are fake rumors too, the proof in this article.
I was only referring to that minister, not France in general. Barbara Pravi and the broadcaster obviously are good sports and I’m sure the overwhelming majority of the French public is as well.
This is pathetic. They should be happy they got 2nd place with that song.
Your opinion will be taken into account when you have made the effort to read the article before commenting on it.
Perfect answer ^^
Same for you. I guess you missed this part.
“I think there needs to be no doubt here, and total transparency,” he said. “If there is a problem, there are penalties… Provisions are made for sanctioning measures, including potential disqualification in case of problems.”
Ok you’re good in copying text it’s great.
Too bad you’re not good at reading it
“They” ?! #stigmatization
And yeah 2nd with this beautiful song not with THAT song.
There was bunch of beautiful songs. Some of them didn’t even qualify
“I don’t want to be a sore loser” Then why the f are you being a sore loser? Was it that hard to a)watch the video for yourself b) apply any amount of critical thinking to the situation, before making a fool of yourself? If it’s not about the victory, why hasn’t any other delegation raised the question?
Another reason to love Barbara.
let the win be the win period. Did EBU disqualified or revoke a grand win before? I don’t think so, not even Jamala before. Let’s just get over and respect Italy’s win and besides those allegations are far to be proven.
I think Clement Beaune is French for “b*tthurt”. Thankfully Barbara is being classy as always.
This is clearly the last attempt of the conservative hand of Europe trying to disqualify the new styles. Please stop it.
ah! glad to see you Fabrizio. and you’re right, the new style is great ….. Like Stefania’s, tenth for Greece. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Bravo Barbara, don’t let them use you, in any kind of way. It won’t have any consequences, it started on Twitter (lol) and bland people, sites and blogs reused it for their personal agenda (buzz, audience, clicks). Any normal person won’t give a care to those who tried to be killersjoy against Italy and France but I’m sure our delegation will remember them and will exclude them, this blog included. They will reap what they sow. Vive la France et Viva l’Italia <3
Even if they were high as a kite which they were not would not be a reason for disqualification!!! Barbara has class. Unfortunately that can’t be said to some „so called fans“ and some reporters!
Barbara was really happy with the 2nd place and she totally deserved that! What a great performance!
Classy reaction by Barbara! This shows that she is proud of her result and doesn’t wish to earn the victory through sneaky ways. Bravo!! On the other hand some of her supporters are very sore losers. Accept it everyone: ITALY WON FAIR AND SQUARE!
Please don’t think the hate is coming from her fans. The accusations in France come from people who don’t even watch Eurovision. Barbara’s fans are the ones defending Maneskin in France at the moment. Because we’re so happy with her second place, and we respect your victory.
I think Barbara’s fans that support that opinion are mostly foreigners actually, and they just HATE Italy, so I guess they would be just happier if France snatched that win unfairly
It’s honestly stupid. They don’t think about the consequences. Do they really think us french would be happy to steal Italy’s victory? That’s not how we want to win. Unfortunately, harm has already been done and I’m already worried about next year.
I am happy that there is a majority of French people that stands with what is right! Italy’s song was my personal winner this year and Barbara was my fourth place so I am extremely happy for the results of both countries. Also don’t worry about next year. I am sure that all this drama will have been forgotten by then. After all this isn’t France’s fault.
I feel sorry for Barbara having to deal with her delegation and country for not being able to deal with a lost. She dealt with it in such a mature way whole her delegation threw a bit of a temper tantrum about it ?????
the delegation said that Maneskin’s win was deserved, the only sore loser is the minister
Barbara should host JESC 2021 in Paris! Such a fantastic Eurovision ambassador for France!
There’s precedence for this – Zlata hosted JESC in 2013 when it was in Ukraine. And Poli hosted JESC when it was in Bulgaria.
I’d think that Barbara would make a great host because not only is her English excellent but she’s also partly responsible for JESC going to Paris in the first place.
Could someone fire that minister? Barbara already handed her defeat by 25 points SOOO well, unlike some others *cough* *cough*, I love her attitude and personality so much that I want her to represent France again some time in the future maybe…
The minister just answered to questions from journalists and did not ask for disqualification. He just reminded that rules are in place. Stop fishing for drama all the time and put people against each other.
Italy won fairly and everybody is happy about it !
Oh well, when I was writing the comment it hadn’t happened yet so I guess he felt bad because of the upcoming “hate” afterwards (although I don’t want to say the word “hate”, it’s the one that comes to my head right now)
Ah that … I wish we could fire them when they’re stupid.
She will more probably be the song writer behind an entry representing France. I don’t think she will be the singer.
I feel bad for Barbara because she, and the entire delegation, are going to get tons of hate for being indirectly involved in this mess. We know Barbara is very sweet and would never want this to be the way the contest ends.
barbara is such a kind soul, we need her back soon! <3
I would love to see Barbara back again next year!
Barbara is a class act! That minister could learn from her!!
Italy won fair and square DEAL WITH IT!
I love how some people that never are interested in Eurovision sunddendly are experts in it and spread their opinions as loud as that. To all of you I say don’t let any politicians or media eclipse what Eurovision is all about for us : a european musical celebration. We are one big Eurovision family. France TV boss also said : “Eurovision is a healthy competition, no big deal, with a lot of fair play and friendship between the teams and we have to keep that spirit” Congrats to Maneskin and all the others 38 acts that made European music… Read more »
There is a picture of the table and floor on reddit where there is broken glass on the floor and no drug paraphernalia on the table. This gossip needs to go away.
Douwe Bob sharing vodka with Cyprus he smuggled into the green room. Nobody cared.
https://twitter.com/douwe_bob/status/731600479894028288?s=21
Yes because in the end he didn’t win… If he did, he would also get cancelled by Twitter
I’m glad that in this circus of insanity, at least Barbara has acted maturely, much more so than her European Affairs minister and some of her country’s press members. Leave Damiano alone, FFS! This is getting unnecessarily nasty.
“The rumour of alleged drug use had started on social media”
And that’s where it had to stay, but the press (wiwibloggs included) wanted easy clicks, and here we are, more and more news talking about a rumor. What are we going to do if now the test says he didn’t do it? How are you guys going to clean his name, after spreading the fake news before having confirmation?
Yes! And that is exactly why they should sue.
I can see a lot of defamation complaints coming very very soon.
So grateful for Barbara’s reaction. I love her. I’m just so sad because these allegations and comments come from people who don’t watch Eurovision. The same people that were saying a week ago that Barbara will finish dead last. And yet, it is Barbara, the french delegation, and us, french fans that will have to pay the price for what these people said. Congratulations Barbara and congratulations Italy!
Barbara has the right attitude here. It’s quite surprising that French government ministers have nothing more pressing to be engaged with.
So how I understand it the French minister didn’t suggest dq is an option in this specific case. It seems to me that this drama mainly exists in some people’s heads. Time to move on.
“Et vive les slips à l’envers aussi” 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Barbara, ce qui est sûr, c’est que personne ne t’enlèvera la première place de l’humour et du fair-play. Tu es géniale, et avec un coeur immense, si c’était encore à prouver.
Oui elle est tellement heureuse et sereine, c’était une belle édition, j’ai hâte de voir ce que l’Italie va faire l’année prochaine. J’espère un retour de l’orchestre à l’occasion de l’entracte par exemple, ainsi qu’un concours entièrement organisé et produit par les Italiens.
Whoever started the rumours should be prosecuted for defamation.
I doubt that there is one specific person. People saw something, made some innocent jokes about it in social media, and before you know things went out of hand. EBU should have ignored it to begin with.
Pretty sure its dude from press conference. Noone was serious about it before he asked this dumb question. Now France want to steal Italy’s win hoping people are dumb and will believe this bs. I’m 100% sure they know it’s baseless.
“Now France want to steal Italy ‘s win”, You are totally out, or you don’t know to read….
Do you know definition of word “disqualification”?
Love the reaction of Barbara!
She’s a class act, that one. And a good sport.