What's happened
French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot died on Sunday at age 91. Known for her film career and later her outspoken far-right views, her funeral is scheduled for January 7 in Saint-Tropez, with public ceremonies planned. Her legacy remains controversial.
What's behind the headline?
Bardot's legacy is a paradox of cultural icon and political provocateur. Her early fame as a sex symbol gave way to activism that, while admirable in animal rights, was marred by racist and xenophobic remarks. The timing of her death amid rising far-right influence in France underscores her enduring symbolic role for that movement. Her funeral plans, including potential national homage, highlight the ongoing debate about her place in French history. The controversy surrounding her political views will likely continue to polarize opinion, with her supporters viewing her as a symbol of French independence and her critics condemning her racist rhetoric. Her influence on French culture and politics will persist, shaping debates on nationalism, free speech, and social cohesion for years to come.
What the papers say
France 24 and The Independent provide contrasting perspectives on Bardot's legacy. France 24 emphasizes her controversial political views and the mixed reactions to her death, noting that many on the left oppose a public homage due to her convictions for racism. The Independent highlights her status as a cultural icon and her activism, while also acknowledging her racist remarks and political endorsements. Both sources agree on her significance but differ in tone: France 24 leans towards critical, emphasizing her divisiveness, whereas The Independent offers a more balanced view of her impact on cinema and activism. This divergence reflects the ongoing debate about her complex legacy.
How we got here
Bardot rose to fame in the 1950s with films like "And God Created Woman" and retired from acting in 1973 to focus on animal rights activism. Over the years, her outspoken political views, especially on immigration and Islam, led to multiple convictions for hate speech. She was closely associated with France's far right, endorsing leaders like Marine Le Pen. Her death marks the end of a complex legacy that blends cinematic influence with political controversy.
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Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot ( BRIJ-it bar-DOH; French: [bʁiʒit baʁdo] ; 28 September 1934 – 28 December 2025), often referred to by her initials B.B., was a French actress, singer, model and animal rights activist. Famous for portraying characters wi
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