A Paris appeals court has overturned the defamation convictions of two women, journalist Natacha Rey and blogger Amandine Roy, who had claimed that French First Lady Brigitte Macron was born male. The court ruled in favor of free speech, effectively clearing the women of libel charges related to spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender. The accusations had initially resulted in convictions at the first instance, but were reversed on appeal. Following the acquittal, Natacha Rey announced her intention to file a private criminal complaint against Brigitte Macron for fraud during the trial. In response to the appeals court decision, Brigitte Macron has taken the case to France's highest court, the Court of Cassation, seeking to overturn the acquittal. Prosecutors have also appealed the verdict. The case has attracted international attention, with the rumors reportedly spreading to the United States. Brigitte Macron's legal team continues to challenge the rulings that have allowed the women to legally maintain their claims about her gender identity.