Fabio Maria Damato addresses Pandoro Gate and split from Chiara Ferragni in first television interview

First television appearance on Verissimo

Fabio Maria Damato, the 42-year-old former general manager of Chiara Ferragni's corporate entities Fenice and TBS Crew, broke his public silence in an interview broadcast on 19 September 2026. Speaking to presenter Silvia Toffanin on the season premiere of the Canale 5 program Verissimo, Damato recounted the personal and commercial repercussions of the charity marketing scandal known as Pandoro Gate. The broadcast represented Damato's first television appearance since he stepped down from his executive duties in June 2024. For years, Damato operated as Ferragni's primary adviser and right hand, assisting in building the digital brand from its inception before opening an independent agency.

Until now I chose to remain faithful to my discretion, but this is also my story and it is right that I defend myself and tell my version.

Personal toll and the Pandoro Gate crisis

The corporate crisis began in December 2023 over charity-linked commercial promotions involving Balocco pandoro cakes and Easter confectionery. Damato described experiencing severe depression for several months as press scrutiny intensified around his residence. He recounted facing continuous media monitoring, noting that television crews gathered outside his door while his likeness circulated across national news broadcasts. The intense scrutiny left him without the physical strength to get out of bed for extended periods. Reflecting on the organizational dynamic, Damato acknowledged that he made the fundamental mistake of assuming professional alliances could double as personal friendships.

I felt hunted, I saw my pictures on television, I had cameras outside my house, at a certain point I had no strength left, I did not want to get out of bed.

Legal resolution and severed partnerships

The judicial proceedings connected to the promotional campaigns concluded on 14 January 2026, when authorities formally dismissed the case against Damato, Ferragni, and business associate Francesco Cannillo. The legal closure occurred after initial allegations of aggravated fraud were reclassified to simple fraud, enabling consumer association Codacons to withdraw its formal legal complaint following the settlement of financial compensation. Damato confirmed that all communication with Ferragni ceased entirely after the commercial fallout and his departure from Fenice TBS Crew in June 2024. Damato noted that once a professional and personal bond of that scale fractures, restoring contact requires significant time.

Operational disputes and internal strategy

Damato outlined distinct disagreements regarding public relations strategies during his tenure with the influencer. Addressing his connection with Ferragni's husband, Fedez, Damato characterized their contact as strictly circumstantial, noting that he respected Fedez as the spouse of his employer while maintaining rigid professional boundaries. Damato opted out of appearing in the reality television production The Ferragnez because he viewed the project as improper for Ferragni's profile. Additionally, Damato stated that he had explicitly advised against hosting a controversial private party in a supermarket after learning about the plan. Regarding Ferragni's response video filmed in a grey jumpsuit, Damato remarked that he would have explained the mechanics of the charity initiative directly to viewers while offering a clear public apology.