Chiara Ferragni, a prominent Italian fashion influencer, has been acquitted of aggravated fraud in a case linked to fundraising activities involving designer Christmas cakes. The long-standing controversy, referred to as “pandorogate,” stemmed from the promotion of a special edition pink pandoro and Easter eggs, which were marketed as benefitting a children’s hospital. Following a quick trial in Milan, a judge cleared Ferragni and her co-defendants of all charges.
Background of the Case
The scandal began in late 2022 when Ferragni promoted pink pandoros, claiming that sales would support a children’s hospital in Turin. However, it was revealed that the cake’s manufacturer, Balocco, had only made a single donation of €50,000 prior to the product launch. Despite generating around €1 million from the pandoro sales, Ferragni pledged an equivalent amount to the hospital, which did not alleviate public concern.
Legal Proceedings
- In 2023, Ferragni faced a €1 million fine imposed by Italy’s competition authority for misleading consumers.
- The investigation expanded to include Ferragni-branded Easter eggs, which led her to agree to pay €1.2 million to a women’s charity.
- She and her business associate, Fabio Damato, were indicted on aggravated fraud charges.
- Prosecutors suggested a prison term of one year and eight months for Ferragni, but the judge found no aggravated circumstances.
Outcome and Reactions
Upon her acquittal, Ferragni expressed relief, stating that the judgment marked “the end of a nightmare that lasted two years.” The court’s ruling was influenced by the withdrawal of a complaint from a consumer group, underscoring a lack of evidence for fraud. Ferragni also reached an agreement with the consumer organization Codacons, promising to compensate consumers and contribute to a charity helping survivors of gender violence.
Impact on Ferragni’s Life and Brand
While Ferragni’s legal troubles have concluded, the scandal has significantly impacted her personal and professional life. The fallout from the case contributed to the breakdown of her marriage with Italian rapper Fedez. Additionally, the incident has spurred regulatory changes requiring greater transparency from Italian influencers regarding their fundraising efforts.
Ferragni remains a significant figure in the fashion industry, with her social media influence extending to 28 million Instagram followers. The case has highlighted the complexities and responsibilities associated with influencer marketing in Italy.
