After two years of media frenzy and a trial in Milan, Chiara Ferragni walked free, hair perfectly in place and smile finely calibrated, cleaner than coke once it has been rebranded as cola. “Pandoro Gate” and the Easter eggs affair melted away like overheated chocolate on Instagram.
The prosecution had nevertheless demanded 20 months in prison. Enough time, for an influencer, to launch three brands, two podcasts and a capsule collection. Lawyers pleaded, the judge ruled, and Italian justice reminded us that you can sell a cake at twice its price without necessarily hiding the devil inside, just a very efficient marketing department.
According to the Competition Authority, consumers believed they were saving children by buying a Ferragni-branded pandoro, the traditional Italian Christmas cake. In reality, the hospital had already received its check well before Christmas, like a gift slipped under the tree early to make sure it wouldn’t be forgotten. As for the sales, they served only the charity of a bimbo in 12-centimeter heels with a seven-figure contract. One million euros in fees for the initiative, zero personal donation, but plenty of benevolent photos. The heart is generous, especially when it fits neatly into a square frame.
Ferragni still paid 3.4 million euros in fines and donations. A respectable sum, almost modest in a world where morality is measured in millions and repentance in press releases.
Meanwhile, somewhere in France, a certain Nicolas might be reflecting on this variable-geometry justice. He had no pandoro, only electronic ankle bracelets and supervised walking hours. One can easily imagine an absurd scene: Sarko in prison, crossing paths in the yard with a bimbo or a lost mannequin caught up in a charitable leggings affair. Complicit glances, a deep conversation about modern philanthropy: “So you too, it was for a good cause?”
They would compare their legal misfortunes the way business cards are exchanged. She would talk about Easter eggs, he about microphones and funding, both victims of a world that doesn’t always understand the creativity of the powerful.
FM