On Saturday evening the Twittersphere was alight with allegations that Måneskin’s Damiano David had used drugs in the Eurovision 2021 green room. This was based on some rather scant “evidence”: a video showed the singer leaning down at his table during the voting segment. It was also informed, perhaps, by unfair stereotypes about people involved in rock music.
Well it’s time to turn down the drama and to turn up “Zitti e buoni.” The EBU has now confirmed that Damiano has passed his drug test with flying colours.
This is the official statement from the EBU:
“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. 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.
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.
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.”
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On Sunday Damiano 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.”
He added: “[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.”
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.”
I’m surprised the lyrics of the song didn’t cause more controversy. Maybe no one noticed as it’s in Italian, but according to this translation https://www.google.com/search?q=maneskin+lyrics+zitti+e+buoni&oq=maneskin+ly&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i131i433j0l8.5221j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 it includes the word f**k, as well as mentioning drug dealers and saying there’s no God. Not that I find any of this offensive, but all three of these are surely Eurovision firsts?
“unfair stereotypes about people involved in rock music” Dunno why, but this made me laugh!
Today the Maneskin are the third most listened to artists in the world and have beaten the likes of Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Pink, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. Better than Damiano, Victoria, Ethan and Thomas only BTS and Olivia Rodrigo, current queen of all charts with her debut album. 10 hours ago. historic result for Eurovision
Italy deserves to be winner. Love from France. La vostra canzone era incredibile !
Damiano and Maneskin’s reactions though need to stop sounding so f***ing cute and charming or we’re all gonna die.
… and now a good legal action so that whoever had the idea of saying nonsense to injure the victory of these good guys is satiated and is an example: before speaking connect the brain to the mouth thanks …
For some reason Italy and France like to jeer each other. I think it’s quite normal in a brotherly relationship and these two countries do have that kind of relationship. As an Italian I can just say that Barbara Pravi wrote a beautiful song and had a magical staging. I love Voilà and hope to see a french entry that has the same success, or even more, next year. Can’t wait for next year
I still don’t get why people say the French started it. We didn’t. Italy won fair and square, they deserve their victory 100% ! And we are all really and genuinely happy with that 2nd place… (and we were never first. Switzerland was way ahead of us with the jury points, we actually thought their song was more appreciated than ours, so there was no way for us to be disappointed with the results… It was a big surprise. And a very pleasant one.) End of story. Yes, a stupid French journalist said Italy should be disqualified if found guilty.… Read more »
As a french I am super happy for Italy. Love you guys ! La vostra canzone era incredibile ! <3
Good. Now that’s another bit of unnecessary drama out of the way. Now we can look forward to Eurovision in Italy next year!
I don’t know what Paris Match wrote, but they are by no means representative of the French press. These people have done really terrible things in the past, like stealing the photo of Romy Shneider’s son on his deathbed. It’s the equivalent of tabloids. And in the digital age, they would be ready for anything to still exist. Don’t give to them more important than they deserve.
As a french, I would LOVE to see Paris Match being sued (along with some other medias eheh) for their lack of deontology and professionalism ! It’s not the first time they’re involved in some stinky drama like this unfortunately
I think you are wasting good music on them. 😉
FFS. Just when I thought there couldn’t possibly be a more mind-blowingly stupid Eurovision Twitter drama than the Tix-Efendi thing.
Time for everyone to pick up their ball, pack up their boots and shin pads, and go quietly home.
TBH I thought the effentix thing was cute. This was just harmful.
Former chief of Malta delegation is accusing his own country broadcaster of placing bids on the country to boost odds and buying YT views to prop up its entry—are you going to cover this rumor/accusation?
If any of you believed that they did it in front of more than 200 mln viewers, you are delusional. And that is the fact.
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.
Poor Thomas.. has been blamed for shattering the glass..haha no I didnt mean to offend him, this is just so funny to hear.. what an experience.. I feel like I want to hold him as he arrive in Italy, and smack his head for starting the accident..haha in a lovely way.. like siblings way..haha
It was started by a YouTube clip. It was perpetuated by the media. There is a difference but both as bad as each other.
He was the one who asked that in the press conference. Thank God Damiano is a class act and didn’t do anything else to him and his stupid hat
It shouldn’t have had to be dealt with in the first place. They just proved that.
People who started this viral nothingburger are simply trash, including that swedish “journalist” who actively promoted this bs. Shame.
Yes. I keep saying this when wiwbloggs report about his reveals for the participants of Melodifestivalen every year. I would never use him as my primary source.
Also their performance got 20 million views in less than a day 🙂
Why I am not surprised he was a Swedish journalist!?
Our journalist are doing a good job. This was a reporter from a tabloid magazine and they do a very different kind of job compared to more established news paper. During the pandemic the tabloids ask our authorities questions such as: “there’s a lot of singles out there, how should we have Covid-safe sex” etc.
It doesn’t say something about Swedish journalists in general.
sorry for off topic but its kinda related to Maneskin anyway It sad to see how some crazy Italians stans (bc most of them are sweethearts) writing not very polite comments under Kateryna’ Insta post and being angry with her after Kate posted pic of her and Gjon siting together on the couch with caption from Kateryna ‘my winner’. folks, are seriously attacking artist for liking someone more than your winner? if you would know better Kateryna and Gjon are dear friends for almost 1.5 years, they have a history, leave queen alone, she just supports and protects her little… Read more »
on Twitter hundreds of Maneskin stans gone crazy over that cute pic and blamed Kateryna of betrayal since they shiping Damiano with her, wondering how old are these folks, 15? they made up a whole love triangle drama which is ridiculous bc Kateryna’ heart belongs to her iconic cat Kotyk lol
Kateryna is iconic queen of this Eurovision and the kindest soul , and some fans are just silly clowns who have no other things to do but bother artists with nonsensical accusations
Their friendship probably the most unexpected thing I would ever see coming , they like from a different planets,lol
Blind Channel guys, Maneskin and the Roop their mates too which was expected
but Gjons is a really the most dearest and true friend for Kateryna of all contestants which is cute and adorable especially knowing how long they been communicated before meet in person, over 1,5 year…. I’m sobbing
Kateryna probably has a protective, almost motherly aura that could be quite welcoming for a young performer like Gjon.
the lowest point this fandom has ever reached
Couldn’t agree more. Even my mother who’s a casual viewer asked me about this today and said it’s all over the media. Ridiculous and ugly.
Same. Disgusting.
OMG people are so naive. Even if the test was positive, who would want to give that information to the public?!?!?! It wouldn’t help EBU or Eurovision image, so NOONE would want that… 😀 I’m not a hater, I just find it funny when people or fans write “end of story” because they probably believe that it’s definitely the end of topic. Even if it weren’t, you would not get to know that, nobody would.
Test was negative confirmed by EBU who are neutral.Zitti e buoni reached 9 on Spotify global they are doing good go hate hater they are making money what are you doing in your life hating on people on internet.
Hate is such a strong word and I wish it was stopped being used like this. I know even two ESC-song this year used the word this way. Some people might dislike others and spread very mean things about other people. The ones who always press like are called followers. The opposite should be called dislikes or similar. Hate crime is not even near disliking. Hating someone is detesting them with your whole body. Getting strong negative feelings about them etc. It does not belong here. Using there kind of words about people who dislike some people is making sure… Read more »
you are confusing hate with hate crime. trust me, those two things are not the same.
did you read the comment of peter that was literly disgusting so yes i have the right to call him a hater.
You have won a trophy for the most ridiculuos comment.
And this is why fake news is so harmful, whatever they do (Maneskin or the EBU) to come up with evidence , there will always be people like you, who rather believe fake stories then believe a guy who said he did not do it, and voluntairly had a test to prove it.
Shame on you Peter.
Italy is constantly serving quality. How are they rewarded? With a scandalous and disgraceful 6th place from the juries for one of the best entries in eurovision history a few years ago and a character assassination, the day they succeed their deserved victory. I really hope and wish all this (bad) publicity turns in Maneskin’s favor eventually and they become worldwide stars
I think it will! 😉
It was a 4th place and contributed to the victory
He’s talking about Il Volo.
exactly, thank u
As a French, i never believed in these allegations, and even if they were true,,i would never have asked for the destitution of Maneskin. They truly deserved victory no matter what, and at our end we are delighted with our second place. I am a huge fan of Italy at Eurovision, Mahmood is my favorite artist, and we cannot wait to see the show next year being held in Italy. Well done Maneskin!
This whole situation was very disrespectful to them. Their song was the best for many people who voted for them, but instead of joy they won drug test. Shame on you people, it’s very easy to ruin someone’s reputation by saing lies and rumors.
Sone people need to stop making this France vs Italy because really it is not. One politician making false narratives does not mean the whole country thinks the same way. You should not be blaming anything on the French representative or delegation as they already specified that they never had and never will intent on challenging Italy’s win. Don’t understand how some are pointing fingers at France when the issue is more with the press and media. And keep in mind this circulated not just in French media but also in UK, US, Belgium, etc. It is unfortunate that because… Read more »
Actually also the EBU didn’t help at all. Saying that we are going to investigate, it is like implying a crime was committed. They didn’t say we are going to look at it, or just quickly check the many CCTV, I am sure, they had.
It was quicker Damiano to return to Italy and take a test, than the EBU check the CCTV. Plus Damiano offered to take a test, the same day of the victory, but EBU said no. SO I guess EBU handled this in a very bad way.
And like the Maltese fans with Destiny, now the French fans and their awful attitude are damaging Barbara, when she did nothing wrong. Congratulations, toxic communities, you’re doing the worst job possible!
Not the french fans. French fans mainly ARE asking for excuses from the press.
I wish that next year ,during the voting of Ogae clubs,only a few countries were not favored,beacause then the fun loses its charm. Likewise bookmakers ,the same countries every year.
I congratulate Italy ,France or Switzerland and others,
Maybe in a year my country Poland ,will be promoted.
Well, my original comment is awaiting for approval (it’s been a while the filter hadn’t targeted me). In short: this was a non-story from the beggining and it’s a pity we know those who fueled it won’t pay for it. All my love to Damiano, Maneskin and Barbara Pravi, who deserve to be celebrated by their achievements and not dragged into a pointless media circus.
The smart ones already knew that those accusations are false. I personally love France, I love French poeple and French music, my favourite singer ever is french and I absolutely HATE my Italian connationals hating french people because of a few idiots there. The bad seeds are in every family and we have to stop (italians and frenchies) to fight over stupid things since we are basically cousins.
P.S. Thanks to the Frenchies for the televote’s 10 points
You don’t see the role you play in this? Why hate people who hate others. Spread the message of love instead.
Hugs
Erik
The whole thing was so idiotic… Maybe it started as a mean social media joke based on stereotypes about rockers and it was just what the lunatics needed to make up another fake version of the reality in their troubled minds. Then the press, avid for clicks and ratings, jumped on it, with the fake excuse of “digging for the truth”. Giving voice to lunatics without facts to endorse their views is exactly what’s making the world such a bizarre place these days. In an ideal world, those who spreaded lies would have to pay for them. I hope at… Read more »
I have seen a lot of people ‘cancelling France’ and saying they’ve now lost twice. Please stop and respect all the competing artists and the vast majority of people in the country. By all means, call out specific people, but do not bring down Barbara etc
Yes, Barbara is a fantastic and one of the fairest artist I’ve never seen, she went yesterday to the television news to say that the result is clear, and that Italy merits its win. She does the same thing on Instagram where she congratulates Italy.
She was, as well as Maneskin, a great addition to this year’s contest.
Haters gonna hate, no matter if the drug test says NEGATIVE, they will still continue with their toxicity and negativity towards Måneskin and Damiano in general..
They are the rightful and well deserved winners, after a very hard year for all of us, they are a breath of fresh air and Europe needed this to move forward and to look forward to something exciting and forget Rona for a bit..
One more time, congrats Italia, am already packing my bags for next year and looking forward to another amazing show.. Ciao.. 😉
negative drug test!!!! VOILÀ!
I gotta be honest I was suspicious for a little while, but now the opposite is proven and I fully believe it.
Italy is still a terrible winner for me – don’t get me wrong, they are talented, their music is just as far away from my taste as it can be-
But they’ve got the most points and therefor are the rightful winners. Congrats Italy!
I’m not sure why this comment has been downvoted as much as it has
He was actually suspicious even for a while.
Everybody has a right to believe in something. Doubt is a normal part of analysis process. If you don’t doubt, you don’t think.
And everyone has a right not to like it. Or to like it, as it seems.
I just let that here, you take this how you want, but french viewers and fans have given 10 points of televote to Maneskin.
I gave one vote to France and I want it back.
We would have given it back to you in exchange for proof of your intelligence, unfortunately we haven’t found any.
A French bully, nice
I hope that Maneskin gets that it’s not all French people who are sore losers, we LOVE them and they’re the worthy winner! They won the televote while France didn’t nor did it win the jury. If we had won this way it would have been horrible!
Bruh-
This whole situation with the accusations wasn’t nessecary, shame on the jealousy coming from toxic sources.
A well deserved Italian victory!
Hot news: Water is wet.
Whoever thought that may be the case should visit certain medical specialist. Be it ophthalmologist or psychiatrist.
off topic zitti e buoni is 9 on spotify global chart.
Everywhere else just not the green room!!
Yeah, because if you snort outside the green room that doesn’t work for drug tests.
edit: typo
EBU checked other CCTV videos. Your words are slander.
Now the haters can shut up! Hopefully italy and maneskin can now enjoy the victory of a country that has deserved to win eurovision for much more than three times!
Yes france was fantastic! But Italy was simply better ? FORZA ITALIAA!! ??
How many articles did you guys wrote with this no-notice? Just damaging this guy that did NOTHING. Shame to the press, this is not professional! You shouldn’t follow the social media games just because users are talking!
Parla la gente purtroppo
Parla non sa di che cosa parla
Tu portami dove sto a galla
Che qui mi manca l’aria …
Quickly?!
Finally this drug crap is over because it hard to believe that they would get past security and do it on camera like why are people so salty just let them enjoy their win
I genuinely believe some people are just jealous and can’t handle how attractive and talented a lot of people find the band members. I knew the test would be negative and Im happy that the case is closed and they now get to just enjoy their victory!
What a disgrace to these “so called eurovision fans” that tried to ruin their reputation!!!!!
and now let them celebrate their much deserved win!
Guys stop with that too, read again what the minister has said.
At least it is done. As an Italian I’m satisfied because in all our TV news and live interviews yesterday this topic basically never came up, everyone just wanted to keep the spotlight only on their achievement, as it was supposed to be.