Italy's Eurovision Winner Denies Snorting Cocaine During Live Show

The winners of Eurovision have been forced to deny accusations that their lead singer was caught on camera taking drugs.

Damiano David of Måneskin, the Italian group who won the annual competition, posted on Instagram after viewers suggested he had taken cocaine live on air.

A video shows him leaning forward briefly, while the camera is on him, during the voting stages of the show, which aired across Europe last night.

An Instagram story from the band read: "We are really shocked about what some people are saying about Damiano 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 sea re so happy about our Eurovision win and we wanna thank everyone for supporting us.

"Rock n roll never dies. We love you."

Instagram

Following the show, Damiano spoke in a press conference to explain why he was leaning forward.

He told reporters: "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."

The band came first in the international contest with the song 'Zitti E Buoni', which racked up a score of 524 points. France was runner-up, with 'Voila' by Barbara Pravi, while Swiss artist Gnon's 'Tears' came third.

The UK's entry, James Newman, received nul points from the European public, and from the pro judges across the continent.

Australia, which was also part of the competition, also gave the UK zero points, dispelling accusations that it was because of Brexit that the country did so badly.

The competition was cancelled in 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but returned this year, to the delight of fans.

Måneskin's Damiano David said: "We think that the whole event was a relief. We think that we were really thankful... to have had the chance to be part of this huge event.

"This Eurovision means a lot, I think, to the whole of Europe. It's going to be a lighthouse. So thank you, everybody. Really."

Topics: TV and Film, Music, Eurovision, Drugs

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. She spent a few years working on festivals and events. Soon realising you can't pay your bills with guestlist, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

@ameliasward