Chiara Ferragni, an Italian influencer with nearly 30 million followers on Instagram, is going through a difficult period following a controversy surrounding a Christmas cake campaign. This situation has led to significant repercussions, including a hefty fine and the end of certain partnerships.
The fine of over one million euros imposed on two of Chiara Ferragni’s companies comes from a campaign involving the confectionery company Balocco. This campaign sold limited edition Christmas cakes to support research on osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma. However, it was revealed that the promised donation had already been made by Balocco well before the campaign, leading to accusations of unfair commercial practice.
Following this controversy, the Italian eyewear manufacturer Safilo announced the end of its partnership with Chiara Ferragni.
The very conservative Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, indirectly criticized the influencer, denouncing the behaviors of influencers who make money by promoting luxury products while claiming to be charitable.
In response to this situation, Chiara Ferragni apologized in a video, promising to make a donation of one million euros to the concerned hospital. She admitted a communication error and called the fine “disproportionate and unfair”. Finally, Ferragni expressed her intention to contest this sanction.