Chiara Ferragni was found innocent by Italian courts of fraud charges she faced in the Pandorogate scandal, bringing a definitive end to one of the most high-profile cases that shook the influencer industry in Europe.
Italy’s most influential social media personality had been at the center of an investigation regarding the promotion of Christmas pandoro products that were advertised as connected to charitable activities. According to the charges, the impression was created that part of the sales revenue would be donated to hospitals, which did not correspond to the actual structure of the commercial campaign.
Prosecutors argued that Chiara Ferragni knew that the amounts corresponding to sales were not being directed to charitable causes, as consumers believed. From the beginning, she denied having full knowledge of how the money was managed, and had already paid compensation exceeding three million euros.
“È finito un incubo”: Chiara Ferragni è stata assolta. Le sue parole ai nostri microfoni. #LVB pic.twitter.com/nwlotl6F6u
— La Volta Buona (@voltabuonarai) January 14, 2026
Pandorogate and first statements after acquittal
After the acquittal decision, Chiara Ferragni appeared visibly relieved, stating that she “can finally take her life back into her own hands,” describing it as a nightmare that lasted two years. She thanked her lawyers and the millions of online followers who supported her throughout the case.
Her ex-husband, rapper and activist Fedez, was not charged in the scandal, however the Pandorogate case played a catalytic role in the collapse of their relationship.
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Pandorogate, political dimension and reactions
The case was not limited to a commercial fraud issue, as it took on strong political overtones. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had publicly criticized Ferragni and Fedez, characterizing them as “wrong role models” for young people, in contrast to Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who had spoken of excessive harshness and targeting of the influencer.
Pandorogate began in 2023, when Ferragni collaborated with Balocco to promote a special edition pandoro, with reference to supporting a pediatric hospital in Turin. As revealed, the donation had been made independently of the sales, while the commercial campaign created misleading expectations among consumers.
The case evolved into a national issue in Italy, seriously damaging Chiara Ferragni’s image and her business empire. With the acquittal decision, Italian courts close a cycle of intense confrontations, leaving open the question of how she will reposition herself in her public and professional role.
