The lead singer for a Eurovision contest-winning Italian rock band has tested negative for cocaine Monday, after being accused of drug use in the green room before the finale, according to a report.
Maneskin vocalist Damiano David was accused of taking cocaine on Saturday, when he was captured by TV cameras leaning over a table before the performance. The “Zitti E Buoni” singer subsequently denied the drug use and agreed Monday to be tested.
“We want to shut down the rumors,” said David.
“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,” reads a statement by the European Broadcasting Union, according to Sky News.
“A drug test was also voluntarily undertaken earlier today by the lead singer of the band Maneskin 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.”
The EBU said, “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,” according to the Associated Press.