Italian fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni has been found not guilty of aggravated fraud charges relating to allegations she misled consumers over charitable donations from cake and Easter egg sales.
The Verdict and Emotional Reaction
Speaking to reporters outside the Milan courthouse on Wednesday, a relieved Ferragni declared, "The nightmare is over." She added, "I am very happy to take control of my life and get my life back. It has been a very difficult two years. I had faith in justice, and justice has been done." The mother-of-two had been facing a potential prison sentence of one year and eight months.
Details of the Charity Promotion Allegations
Milan prosecutors had accused Ferragni of misleading consumers in 2022 and 2023. The central case involved her promotion of a limited-edition Pandoro Christmas cake made by Balocco. The packaging suggested that the inflated prices would directly support the Regina Margherita paediatric hospital in Turin.
A separate case focused on Ferragni-branded Easter eggs, where buyers were allegedly led to believe proceeds were supporting 'I Bambini delle Fate', an association aiding children with autism.
Despite the criminal acquittal, Ferragni had already faced significant regulatory and financial repercussions. In 2023, Italy's competition authority (AGCM) fined her almost 1.1 million euros over the Pandoro cake scheme. The following year, she agreed to pay at least 1.2 million euros to a children's charity to settle the Easter egg case.
Broader Impact and the 'Ferragni Law'
The scandal severely damaged Ferragni's brand, eroding her social media following and impacting her vast business empire spanning fashion, beauty, and licensing. Her personal life also suffered, with her marriage to rapper Fedez collapsing under the intense public scrutiny.
Her high-profile status made the case a major test for Italian authorities aiming to regulate the booming influencer economy. In response to the scandal, the conservative government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni introduced a bill directly targeting influencers suspected of unclear marketing promotions, which was quickly dubbed the "Ferragni law."
During the trial, Ferragni testified that she had acted "in good faith." Her lawyer, Giuseppe Iannaccone, argued in his closing statement that "Chiara is innocent from every angle of this case. There is no crime." It remains unclear whether prosecutors will appeal against the acquittal verdict.
