Christmas bread that could cost him a lot of money. The Milan prosecutor’s office on Tuesday requested a prison sentence of one year and eight months against Milan influencer Chiara Ferragni, who is on trial on charges of fraud in the promotion of Christmas cakes and Easter eggs.
A prominent Italian influencer with 28 million subscribers, he has been on trial since September for gross fraud after promoting pandoro, a Christmas brioche similar to panettone, and Easter eggs, claiming that their sales would raise funds for charity or social causes.
During a hearing that took place behind closed doors this Tuesday in a Milan court, the 38-year-old influencer stated that he denies the accusations and has always acted “in good faith”, said his lawyer Giuseppe Iannaccone. Chiara Ferragni herself assured at the end of the hearing that she was “sure”, without commenting further.
It’s impossible to go to prison
His lawyers must enter a defense at an upcoming hearing and a verdict is expected in January. However, if Chiara Ferragni is found guilty, it is unlikely that she will go to prison, as prison sentences of less than two years are the exception in Italy.
(2/2) The Jean Aprin affair: criminal conspiracy in the vineyard
Chiara Ferragni started her internet career in 2009 with the fashion blog, “The Blonde Salad”, before becoming a major figure in Italian fashion and social networks, collaborating with Dior, Chanel and Tod’s.
Chronicling her glamorous days and married life with rapper Fedez, from whom she split in 2024, she used social networks as a springboard to launch her own fashion and make-up brand. But allegations of fraud have tarnished his reputation and partnerships with brands.
The sale of “Pandoro Pink Christmas”, a special edition cake launched in 2022 and produced by Balocco, aims to raise funds for children undergoing treatment in Turin hospitals.
A fine of one million euros for two of his companies
But the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) determined at the end of 2023 that one donation of 50,000 euros had been made to the hospital several months earlier, when consumers were convinced that purchasing the cake would be beneficial.
In December 2023, AGCOM imposed a fine of one million euros on two influencer companies for unfair commercial practices as part of the “Pandoro Pink Christmas” operation, an amount equivalent to the profits obtained through this operation. Balocco’s company was fined 420,000 euros.
AGCOM is also investigating Ferragni brand Easter eggs marketed in 2021 and 2022, which are also related to social initiatives.
Italy has since tightened regulations on major influencers, who have had to register with AGCOM since the beginning of November, and in particular respect transparency rules.
