An Italian appeals court in Milan has acquitted writers Massimo Lucarelli and Simone Apolloni of sexual assault charges. The court ruled that prosecutors failed to prove their responsibility "beyond a reasonable doubt." The case stemmed from allegations made in 2021 regarding an incident in 2017. The court specifically stated the consent given was not deemed to be compromised. This decision overturns a previous conviction handed down in a lower court. Both Lucarelli and Apolloni have consistently maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming the encounter was consensual. The acquittal concludes a highly publicized and contentious legal battle.