Chiara Ferragni Acquitted of Fraud

Italian fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni was acquitted of aggravated fraud charges in Milan, concluding a two-year legal battle dubbed 'Pandorogate.' The case centered on misleading charity endorsement deals for pandoro cakes and Easter eggs, where consumers were led to believe their purchases directly benefited children's charities. While Chiara Ferragni's companies profited significantly, the actual donations to the Regina Margherita Children s Hospital and I Bambini delle Fate were minimal or made by Balocco. Italy's competition watchdog (AGCM) had previously fined Chiara Ferragni's companies 1 million euros and Balocco 420,000 euros for unfair commercial practices. The scandal severely damaged Chiara Ferragni's reputation, leading to a loss of followers and endorsements, and contributed to the collapse of her marriage to Fedez. In response, the Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, introduced new regulations requiring influencers with over 500,000 followers to register with the Italy — AGCOM (AGCOM) and comply with transparency rules.