Chiara Ferragni, an Italian fashion influencer with 28 million Instagram followers, was acquitted of aggravated fraud today, concluding a scandal that had gripped the public's attention for two years. The case revolved around her promotion of a designer pink pandoro Christmas cake, which was marketed as a fundraiser for a children's hospital but led to accusations of misleading consumers.
The fast-track trial in Milan resulted in a not guilty verdict for Ferragni and two other defendants, who were accused of deceiving buyers. During the trial, she expressed relief, stating, 'the judgment marks the end of a nightmare that lasted two years.'
The scandal, dubbed 'pandorogate', originated in 2022 when sales of the special edition cakes prompted outrage after revelations that the cake’s producer had made only a one-off donation of €50,000 before the launch. Following the campaign, Ferragni's companies made an impressive €1 million, and she pledged to donate the same amount to the hospital.
The fallout from the scandal prompted Italy's competition authority to impose a €1 million fine on Ferragni in 2023 for her misleading promotional claims. Additionally, she agreed to compensate consumers and donate €1.2 million to a children's charity regarding allegations about the sales of her branded Easter eggs.
Despite the acquittal, the scandal has taken a toll on Ferragni's brand and personal life, including her recent divorce from rapper Fedez. The outcome of the trial has led to increased regulatory scrutiny to ensure that Italian influencers maintain transparency in fundraising efforts.
