Måneskin band members Damiano David, Thomas Raggi, Victoria De Angelis, and Ethan Torchio have always stood out with their unique fashion choices ever since their first international appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Grammy-nominated Italian Rock band, who released their third studio album RUSH! have been accused of queerbaiting. In an interview with The Guardian, Måneskin responded to those claims and talked about their recently acquired fame.
De Angelis, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community said: “There are some cases where it happens, but sometimes [the accusations are] so extreme. It’s stupid for queer people, who should fight these stereotypes, to label it as this and create more hate. The fact [that Raggi and David] are straight doesn’t mean they can’t wear makeup. Or heels.”
Giving his own opinion on the matter, David added: “Everything me and Thomas do is always filtered by two people who are [queer]. Of course we don’t experience the same stuff, but we live every day very closely with people from the community.”
The young musician continued: “We’ve always been very dividing. There are a bunch of people that love us and are very proud of what we’re doing, and then there’s a whole other part made of conservatives and traditional rock’n’roll fans and fascists that hate us with everything they’ve got.”
Speaking of people’s reaction from back home, De Angelis explained: “A lot of people are really proud. But Italy is a very conservative country and they’re intimidated by the fact that someone can wear makeup or high heels or appear half-naked or not be straight. But f— them.”
They also commented on their MTV Video Music Awards performance, where they were censored after De Angelis’ had a wardrobe malfunction: “We’re too hot for US television. It’s so stupid because they want to appear so open-minded and then they get scared about a pair of nipples. There is this difference between men’s and women’s bodies and how you’re perceived and sexualized all the time. Everyone has nipples.”
David emphasized: “It’s very clear the different standards people have because I was literally butt-naked.”
Despite contradicting viewpoints, nobody can deny that Måneskin have revolutionized the Rock scene and brought their own unique style to the genre.
Listen to their latest album here:
