"Imagine if no one knew if I was taking a puff in front of 80 million people or not. I would be a legend! "
Mianoneskin's Damiano David has said he "regrets" his decision to deny allegations that he used cocaine during the 2021 Eurovision final, joking that it would be a "legend".
This month marks one year since the Italian rock band's big win at last year's Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which was overshadowed by allegations that Damiano David used cocaine in front of the camera from a table in the green room.
Måneskin categorically denied the allegations and Damiano David voluntarily underwent a drug test, which turned out to be negative. Eurovision organizers also confirmed the story of David, who claimed to have leaned over the table to pick up a broken glass.
The band has now spoken to NME about the uproar, with Damiano David saying he regretted not taking a different approach.
"I regret my decision to deny it!" He said with a laugh.
"It simply came to our notice then. Imagine if anyone knew if I had a puff in front of 80 million people or not. I would be a legend! "This year, I would do it again, in front of every camera!" He continued.
"I have never done cocaine in my life and I do not think I will ever do it, because my heart is too weak for such a thing! "And I'm very anxious," he added.
When Damiano David was called after Måneskin's appearance in the recent grand final of Eurovision 2022 to give advice to this year's contestants, he joked: "Have fun and do not approach the table, guys."
Måneskin also explained to NME that the new generations of music lovers are not interested in their past and their participation in Eurovision and the Italian version of "X Factor".
"Our generation does not feel the need to put labels on everything. "They just want to enjoy your music, enjoy your journey and follow you in whatever you do," said Damiano David.
"Harry Styles is the perfect example," he added.
"He had the biggest audience with a boyband and now he is one of the most respected and adored artists in the world. He deserves it because he managed to do it for himself. "It's literally what an artist has to do: be the real self," said the Måneskin singer.
