Italian Influencer Chiara Ferragni Cleared of Cake Fraud
10 hours ago
ShareSave Alys Davies
ShareSave AFP
Chiara Ferragni expressed her relief, stating she was very happy that her nightmare had finally come to an end.
An Italian fashion influencer, Ferragni has been acquitted of aggravated fraud, concluding a prolonged controversy surrounding a charity Christmas cake. The focus of the allegations revolved around her endorsement of a designer pink pandoro and Easter eggs that were advertised as fundraising for a children’s hospital and charity.
Details of the Case
– Background: Ferragni faced accusations of misleading consumers through the promotion of the pink special edition pandoro in 2022. It was marketed with the claim that proceeds would support a children’s hospital in Turin.
– Initial Donation: The cake’s producer, Balocco, had made a one-time donation of €50,000 (£43,300) to the hospital prior to the cake’s release, leading to further scrutiny.
Court Proceedings
– After a swift trial in Milan, a judge ruled Ferragni and two co-defendants not guilty. Had she been convicted, she could have faced a significant prison sentence.
– Ferragni, who boasts 28 million Instagram followers and her companies made €1 million from this promotion, promised to match that amount in donations to the hospital.
Subsequent Investigations and Fines
– The outcry surrounding the claims prompted authorities to launch formal investigations. In 2023, Italy’s competition authority fined Ferragni €1 million related to the pandoro cakes that featured her branding.
– The scandal expanded to include Ferragni-branded Easter eggs, resulting in an additional commitment to pay €1.2 million to a children’s charity amid allegations of misleading marketing.
Final Verdict and Reactions
– Ferragni, along with her business partner Fabio Damato, faced aggravated fraud charges. Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and eight months, but the court dismissed the case as non-aggravated after a consumer group retracted its initial complaint.
– In a settlement with consumer organization Codacons, Ferragni agreed to compensate affected consumers and donate funds to a charity for women who have suffered from gender violence.
Impact on Ferragni’s Brand and Personal Life
– Reflecting on the trial’s outcome, Ferragni stated, We are all moved. The last two years have been very hard. I had faith in justice, and justice has been done.
– Despite her acquittal, the scandal has taken a toll on her brand and personal life, including the dissolution of her marriage to Italian rapper Fedez.
Conclusion
The Chiara Ferragni cake fraud case highlights the complexities of influencer marketing and the pressing need for transparency in fundraising efforts. This incident has not only affected Ferragni’s public image but has also prompted tighter regulations for Italian influencers, ensuring better accountability for their promotional activities.