Chiara Ferragni: Pandoro cake influencer cleared of aggravated fraud in Italy

The Scandal Behind the Influencer: Chiara Ferragni's Exoneration

Chiara Ferragni, the Italian fashion influencer with over 28 million followers, can finally breathe a sigh of relief as she's cleared of fraud charges that had cast a shadow over her career and personal life.

The Breaking Point

The controversy, dubbed "pandorogate," erupted in 2022 when special edition pink pandoro cakes and Easter eggs promoted by Ferragni came under scrutiny. Consumers were misled to believe that buying these festive treats would support a children's hospital, igniting public outcry.

Beneath the Surface

While Ferragni's companies did generate €1m, only a prior €50,000 donation was made by the cake's producer, Balocco, to the hospital. The influencer faced a €1m fine and a tarnished reputation after the competition authority's intervention.

The Ripple Effect

Ferragni's acquittal, after an arduous trial, has broader implications. It has tightened the rules for Italian influencers, demanding transparency in fundraising. Even as she celebrates justice being served, the experience has been bittersweet, impacting her marriage to rapper Fedez and her brand.