Chiara Ferragni cleared of aggravated fraud in Pandorogate trial

An Italian court acquitted influencer Chiara Ferragni of aggravated fraud in the Pandorogate case; prosecutors had accused her of promoting charity-linked products that allegedly misled consumers, and it is not yet clear whether they will appeal.

An Italian court on Jan. 14, 2026, acquitted Chiara Ferragni of aggravated fraud in the trial known as Pandorogate. The case focused on allegations that promotions for charity-linked products misled consumers. The controversy prompted apologies, payments and regulatory action, and it affected Ferragni's public profile and business interests. Key facts: - Chiara Ferragni was acquitted on Jan. 14, 2026, of aggravated fraud in the Pandorogate trial. - Prosecutors said she misled consumers in 2022 and 2023 by promoting a limited-edition pandoro cake and Ferragni-branded Easter eggs presented as supporting children's medical care or autism support. - Ferragni issued an apology after the controversies and pledged donations, including 1 million euros to the Regina Margherita children’s hospital and 1.2 million euros to the "I Bambini delle Fate" association. - Italy’s antitrust authority fined her more than 1 million euros in December 2023 for "unfair commercial practices" related to the pandoro product. - The scandal reduced her social media popularity and was reported to have affected aspects of her personal life and business empire. - It is not yet clear whether prosecutors will appeal the first-instance acquittal. Summary: The trial served as a prominent test of how prosecutors and regulators handle charity-linked influencer marketing in a largely unregulated creator economy. The controversy prompted regulatory moves, including a bill referred to as the "Ferragni law" aimed at influencer marketing. Undetermined at this time.