Influencer Chiara Ferragni and Balocco Under Investigation for Alleged Charity Fraud

Ferragni and cake company Balocco face fines for misleading consumers into believing their purchase would contribute to a hospital donation.

Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni and cake company Balocco are under investigation for alleged aggravated fraud over a Christmas cake charity initiative.
Consumers were led to believe that by purchasing the Ferragni-endorsed cake, they were contributing to a donation to a Turin hospital.
Italy’s antitrust authority has fined Ferragni 1 million euros and Balocco 420,000 euros for misleading consumers.
Balocco had made a one-time donation of 50,000 euros to the hospital before the campaign and made no further donations.
Ferragni has lost 200,000 followers since the scandal emerged and has pledged to donate 1 million euros to the Turin hospital.