In a landmark ruling for Italy's influencer economy, Chiara Ferragni, the nation's most prominent social media star, has been acquitted of aggravated fraud charges. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday 14 January 2026 in Milan, concluding the high-profile 'Pandorogate' trial centred on allegedly misleading charitable promotions.
The Charges and the Court's Decision
Prosecutors had accused Ferragni of misleading consumers during 2022 and 2023. The case focused on her promotion of a limited-edition pandoro cake by the Italian confectioner Balocco. Marketing suggested that the inflated price of the cake would directly fund medical treatment for children at Turin's Regina Margherita hospital. A separate, similar case involved Ferragni-branded Easter eggs sold in support of I Bambini delle Fate, an association aiding children with autism.
Despite facing a potential prison sentence, the court cleared the 38-year-old influencer. "We are all moved," Ferragni stated outside the courtroom following her acquittal. "I thank everyone, my lawyers and my followers."
Financial Repercussions and Public Fallout
Although cleared of criminal charges, the scandal has had severe financial and reputational consequences. In December 2023, Italy's antitrust authority fined Ferragni more than 1 million euros for unfair commercial practices related to the pandoro cake campaign. In a bid to manage the fallout, Ferragni had previously pledged 1 million euros to the Turin hospital involved and paid 1.2 million euros to the I Bambini delle Fate association.
The controversy significantly damaged her popularity, eroding her fan base 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.
A Watershed Moment for Influencer Regulation
Ferragni's status made her case a critical test for prosecutors and regulators aiming to impose order on the largely unregulated creator economy. The scandal prompted direct legislative action. A few months after it broke, the conservative government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced a bill directly targeting influencers. This legislation, colloquially known as the 'Ferragni law', aims to curb unclear marketing promotions that mislead followers.
It remains unclear whether Milan prosecutors will appeal against Wednesday's acquittal. The case has nonetheless set a powerful precedent, highlighting the growing legal and regulatory risks for high-profile influencers engaged in commercial partnerships with charitable angles.
