CLEAN WIN
Eurovision winner Måneskin’s lead singer PASSES drugs test after ‘cocaine snorting’ claims
EUROVISION winner Måneskin's lead singer has passed a drugs test after claims he snorted cocaine on live TV.
Damiano David strongly refuted taking drugs after viewers watched him lower his face to a table as points were being awarded.
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After the band arrived back in Italy, Damiano took a voluntary drugs test to prove his innocence and Eurovision has now revealed he passed.
A statement read: "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."
Fans had feared Italy would be stripped of their win following the initial claims.
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The victorious band immediately offered to be tested for any illegal substances, and a spokesperson for Eurovision confirmed that no drugs were found on the band at the time.
But viewers are concerned about what could happen to the winners amid the scandal, with some admitting their fear that they could lose their victory despite being innocent.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "I wonder has anyone who's won #Eurovision ever been stripped of the prize after? Just wondering #Italy".
Another asked: "Do we think Italy could get stripped of their title? Will it get handed to France in second place?"
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A third said: "I hope Italy don't get stripped of their win, it's a shame for all this to distract from their victory if he wasn't doing anything wrong!"
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Damiano denied taking drugs in press conference after their win, saying: “Thomas (guitarist Thomas Raggi) broke a glass … I don't use drugs, please guys, do not say that.
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“Don't say that really. No cocaine please, do not say that.”
Those watching at home noticed as he appeared to lean directly over the table while the rest of the group cheered as the hosts interviewed Malta's act - seemingly unaware that he was on camera.
One person tweeted: "Was he or was he not snorting #Eurovision”
Another added: “So what is this Italian lead singer doing at #Eurovision? Is he snorting something?”
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During the competition, the high-kicking lederhosen and eyeliner-wearing Italians, who were favourites, beat off stiff competition from France and Switzerland with their song "Zitti e Buoni".
It was Italy's third Eurovision win and its first since 1990.
In a nailbiting finish, they lay in fourth place after a vote by national juries that left Switzerland in the lead, before a huge public vote sent them soaring into the lead with 524 points.
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Bassist Victoria De Angelis said their victory "could be a message of hope"; to Italy, which was particularly hard-hit by the virus.
"We're honoured to be bringing it back after 31 years," she said.
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Meanwhile, the UK suffered a humiliating defeat as contestant James Newman landed bottom of the leader-board without winning a single point.
We were the only act of the 26-strong competition to end the show on zero.
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