Italian Court Closes Fraud Case Against Influencer Chiara Ferragni

An Italian court in Milan closed a fraud case against influencer Chiara Ferragni on Wednesday, January 15, 2026. The case stemmed from accusations that Ferragni misled consumers in 2022 by implying that sales of a special edition Christmas cake would benefit cancer treatment for children. Prosecutors initially sought a 20-month prison sentence, but the charge was downgraded to fraud. The judge dismissed the case because no victim filed a formal complaint, a requirement for fraud cases in Italy. While Ferragni expressed relief, prosecutors have not yet decided whether to appeal the court's decision. The controversy had previously led to a loss of sponsors and followers for the influencer.

Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni was acquitted of aggravated fraud in Milan, Italy, ending a scandal that began in 2022 with the sale of a designer Christmas cake. Ferragni was accused of misleading consumers into believing that purchases of the cake and Easter eggs would benefit a children's hospital and a charity. The court found her and two other defendants not guilty after a fast-track trial. The "pandorogate" scandal involved a special edition cake where the producer had already made a donation before sales began, leading to a fine for Ferragni and a formal investigation. While acquitted of fraud, Ferragni still faced consequences, including financial settlements and damage to her brand.