Italian Influencer Chiara Ferragni Faces Jail Request in Charity Fraud Trial
Italian fashion influencer and entrepreneur, Chiara Ferragni, finds herself at the center of a high-profile legal battle as prosecutors have formally requested a one-year and eight-month prison sentence. The charges stem from an aggravated fraud case involving charity endorsement deals for Christmas treats and Easter eggs, which allegedly misled consumers about their charitable contributions.
The Core of the Accusations
Since September, Ferragni, aged 38 and based in Milan, has been on trial over promotions for a "pandoro" cake – a traditional Italian Christmas sweet – and specially branded Easter eggs. These campaigns implied that purchasing the products would directly benefit social causes or charities.
In particular, the 2022 "Pandoro Pink Christmas" promotion, involving a Balocco-made cake, led shoppers to believe their purchase would support a Turin hospital aiding children. However, an investigation by Italy’s communications watchdog, AGCOM, revealed that Balocco had made a single €50,000 donation to the hospital before the promotion began, irrespective of sales. Ferragni's companies were later fined €1 million by AGCOM for unfair commercial practices, with Balocco also receiving a €420,000 penalty. Similar allegations regarding Ferragni-branded Easter eggs from 2021 and 2022, linked to a social enterprise, are also under scrutiny.
Ferragni's Defense and Legal Path
During a closed-door hearing in Milan on November 25, Ferragni reportedly denied the charges, asserting through her lawyer, Giuseppe Iannaccone, that she had always acted "in good faith." Emerging from the court, she expressed confidence to journalists, though she refrained from further comment.
Ferragni has opted for a fast-track trial, a procedural choice in Italy that, if found guilty, can lead to a reduced sentence. While aggravated fraud typically carries a jail term of one to five years, this path means her maximum potential sentence cannot exceed two years and three months. It's also worth noting that in Italy, prison sentences under two years rarely result in actual jail time. A verdict in this closely watched case is anticipated in January 2026.
From Blog to Billions: A Reputation Under Fire
Chiara Ferragni's journey began with "The Blonde Salad," a fashion blog she launched in 2009. By 2017, Forbes recognized her as a top fashion influencer. Her strategic monetization of a glamorous lifestyle, coupled with endorsements for high-end brands, transformed her blog into a global business empire, complete with her eponymous label and international stores. Her success even became a Harvard Business School case study on monetizing social media fame.
However, these fraud accusations have cast a significant shadow over her meticulously built reputation and have notably impacted her lucrative endorsement deals. Ferragni herself acknowledged the "difficult phase" of her life to journalists outside court earlier in November. The scandal also comes amidst personal challenges, following her 2024 split from rapper and music producer Fedez, with whom she formed one of Italy’s most recognizable celebrity couples.
The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly set a precedent for social media influencers and their responsibilities in endorsing products, particularly those linked to charitable causes.
