Home / Crime and Justice / Ferragni Acquitted: "Pandorogate" Influencer Cleared of Fraud
Ferragni Acquitted: "Pandorogate" Influencer Cleared of Fraud
14 Jan
Summary
- Chiara Ferragni was found not guilty of aggravated fraud charges in Milan.
- The "pandorogate" scandal involved misleading consumers about charity donations.
- The trial's outcome has led to stricter transparency rules for Italian influencers.
Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni has been acquitted of aggravated fraud charges by a Milan court. The "pandorogate" scandal involved special edition Christmas cakes and Easter eggs, where consumers were led to believe portions of the sales would benefit children's hospitals. Balocco, the cake producer, had made a prior donation, and Ferragni's companies profited significantly from the promotions.
Ferragni faced an initial €1m fine from Italy's competition authority in 2023 over the pandoro cake promotion. She later agreed to pay €1.2m to settle complaints regarding Ferragni-branded Easter eggs. Prosecutors had sought an 18-month prison sentence, but the judge dismissed the aggravated fraud claim, noting a consumer group withdrew its complaint.
Following the trial, Ferragni expressed relief, stating, "I had faith in justice, and justice has been done." The "pandorogate" scandal, however, has had a considerable impact on her brand and personal life, contributing to the end of her marriage. This case has also spurred the implementation of stricter rules for Italian influencers, mandating greater transparency in their fundraising initiatives.
