Milan, Italy – Italian fashion influencer and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni has been charged with fraud over misleading marketing claims related to her charity-linked product sales. Prosecutors allege that Ferragni deceived consumers by falsely implying that purchases of certain products would contribute to charitable causes. If convicted, she faces a prison sentence of up to five years.
The Allegations
The charges stem from Ferragni’s promotion of “Pink Christmas” Pandoro cakes in 2021 and Dolci Preziosi Easter eggs in 2022. The influencer, who has millions of followers worldwide, allegedly misled buyers into believing that a significant portion of the proceeds would be donated to charity. However, investigations revealed that the actual contributions to charity were minimal compared to the revenues generated from the sales.
Authorities claim that this practice violates Italian consumer protection laws, leading to the formal indictment against Ferragni.
Legal Consequences and Trial Date
The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has set September 23, 2025, as the start date for Ferragni’s trial. If found guilty, the 36-year-old businesswoman could be sentenced to one to five years in prison for fraudulent commercial practices.
The controversy has significantly damaged Ferragni’s reputation, with several brands reportedly reconsidering their partnerships with her. The case also raises broader concerns about the ethical responsibilities of influencers and brands when linking their products to charitable causes.
Ferragni’s Response
Ferragni has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the campaign was misunderstood and that she had no intention of misleading her followers. Her legal team argues that all proceeds were managed transparently and that she will defend herself against the accusations in court.
The case is being closely followed in Italy and beyond, as it could set a legal precedent for influencer marketing ethics and corporate social responsibility in the digital age.
