Influencer Chiara Ferragni Faces Jail Time as Prosecutors Push for 20 Months
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Renowned influencer Chiara Ferragni recently made an appearance in court as prosecutors sought a 20-month jail sentence against her. Ferragni, known for her online presence, faced charges of aggravated fraud related to a charitable collaboration for the sale of branded Pandoro Christmas cakes back in 2022.
The Milan Prosecutor’s Office pressed for the sentence during a pretrial hearing on November 25th. Reports from French news outlets, including French24, L’Unione Sarda, and La Presse, highlighted the severity of the charges brought against the 38-year-old Italian fashion influencer.
Chiara Ferragni rose to fame in 2009 through her fashion blog and achieved a milestone by becoming the first fashion blogger to grace the cover of Vogue in 2015. However, her current legal battle has put her reputation on the line, stemming from the collaboration with Italian food company Balocco to sell the Pandoro Christmas cakes.
The boxes of these cakes indicated that Ferragni and Balocco were supporting the Regina Margherita hospital in Turin. Nevertheless, in 2023, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) penalized Ferragni for allegedly misleading the public. The regulatory body stated that the messaging on the cake boxes, also shared on Ferragni’s social media, falsely implied that each purchase would benefit the hospital, when in reality, Balocco only made a single €50,000 donation.
In response to the fraud accusations, Ferragni initially defended herself in an Instagram video, dismissing the claims as disproportionate and unfair. She pledged to donate the €1 million fee she received from Balocco to the hospital. By the end of 2024, Ferragni reportedly paid a total of €3.4 million to settle various investigations related to charitable donations and legal disputes.
Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, Ferragni’s company announced in May 2024 a commitment to refraining from conducting ventures where commercial activities are intertwined with charitable endeavors. Despite keeping a low profile on social media in 2024, Ferragni has gradually returned to promote collaborations with luxury brands and feature in regional beauty magazines.
Following her recent court appearance, Ferragni expressed confidence in her actions, stating, “We have always acted in good faith, no one profited from this. I am confident, I cannot say more,” as reported by La Presse. Her lawyer, Marcello Bana, affirmed her innocence and anticipated a positive outcome in the case.
The next court date for Ferragni is scheduled for December 19, where her defense is expected to present arguments. A verdict is anticipated in January, as mentioned in reports by L’Unione Sarda. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly impact Ferragni’s career and personal brand moving forward.