The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has declared “case closed” over allegations that one of the members of the band which won the Eurovision snorted cocaine after being declared as winners of the contest.
The allegations were that one of the members of the rock band Måneskin, which was representing Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest and ultimately won the competition, had snorted cocaine off a table in the Green Room at the Rotterdam Ahoy Arena.
In a statement on Monday evening, the EBU said that they had carried out a thorough review of the facts, including checking all available footage.
A drug test was also voluntarily undertaken by the band’s lead singer – a test which the EBU said had returned a negative result.
“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”, it added.
They congratulated the band on their triumph again, and said that they were looking forward to next year’s Eurovision in Italy.
The allegations in question emerged mere minutes after the conclusion of the competition.
Måneskin won the competition with their heavy rock song ‘Zitti e Buoni’, beating out fellow bookies favourites France, and Malta.
France ended 2nd, while Malta finished in 7th place after a disappointing result in the televoting.