Ferragni, 38, told reporters that the judgment marked "the end of a nightmare that lasted two years." The accusation stemmed from the promotion of the designer pink pandoro, produced by Balocco, and Easter eggs, both marketed as supporting charitable causes.
The investigation revealed that Balocco, the cake producer, had made a one-time donation of 50,000 euros (approximately $54,000 USD) to the hospital prior to the cake's launch. Prosecutors argued that the marketing created a false impression that ongoing sales directly contributed to the hospital's fundraising efforts. Ferragni's companies reportedly earned 1 million euros from the initiative.
The trial, conducted under a fast-track procedure, resulted in a not-guilty verdict for Ferragni and two other defendants. A conviction could have resulted in a jail sentence. The case, dubbed "pandorogate," sparked considerable public debate in Italy regarding influencer marketing and transparency.
The acquittal does not necessarily signal the end of legal scrutiny for Ferragni. Other investigations related to similar marketing campaigns remain ongoing. The "pandorogate" scandal has prompted discussions about the ethical responsibilities of influencers and the need for clearer regulations regarding charitable promotions on social media platforms. Ferragni has 28 million followers on Instagram.
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