ITALY’s Eurovision winner brought up his ‘drugs scandal’ live on air with a cheeky warning to this year’s singers.
Lead singer of Maneskin, Damiano David, was accused of snorting cocaine in the green room during the 2021 contest.
He strongly denied ever taking drugs – instead saying he had leaned over to pick up smashed glass.
Tonight he made a return to the Eurovision stage a year after winning to perform new music.
Asked if he had any advice for the latest contenders, Damiano said: “Have fun and don’t get close to the table guys, don’t do it.”
Voiceover Graham Norton laughed at the gag and said: “If you don’t know what he’s talking about, Google it.”
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Damiano was forced to deny taking cocaine live on TV after appearing to do a snorting action.
He slammed speculation and insisted he does not take drugs after viewers spotted his suspicious antics.
Speaking in a press conference after their win, he said: “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 over the table as the group celebrated.
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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”.
And tonight the band laughed off the controversy as they returned to Turin ahead of tonight’s result.
