Brigitte Bardot: Icon, Activist, and Controversial Figure

The recent death of French actor Brigitte Bardot at age 91 has reignited discussions about her multifaceted and often contradictory legacy. Bardot, who passed away on December 28, was a defining figure of 20th-century cinema and a global sex symbol, inspiring fantasies ranging from French New Wave films to the model for Marianne, the embodiment of the French Republic.

Beyond her screen presence, she became a dedicated animal rights activist, a role that defined her later years. However, her public image was also marred by controversial political stances and views widely condemned as racist, which grew more pronounced over time. The complexity of her persona was highlighted following her death, with tributes such as singer Chappell Roan’s Instagram post acknowledging Bardot's artistic inspiration while the broader public reckoned with her problematic legacy.

For decades, Brigitte Bardot served as a fantasy figure for both men and women, defining an era of French cinema in the 1950s and 60s. Her influence extended far beyond the screen, permeating the cultural consciousness of the nation. She was not merely an actor but a symbol of a changing France, embodying a new sense of liberation and sensuality that captivated international audiences.

Her status as a national icon was cemented in 1969 when a bust of Bardot, featuring her distinctive perky-nippled likeness, was created as a model for Marianne. Marianne is the traditional personification of the French Republic itself, representing liberty and reason. That Bardot was chosen for this honor speaks volumes about her perceived importance to French identity during her peak fame.

The impact of her image was so profound that it continued to inspire new generations, even decades after her retirement from acting. Her death on December 28, 2026, at the age of 91, marked the end of an era, prompting a global reflection on her enduring presence in art and culture.

Following her departure from the film industry, Brigitte Bardot reinvented herself as a fervent defender of animals. She channeled her immense public platform into advocacy, establishing the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the welfare and protection of animals. This work became a central pillar of her public identity in her later years.

Her activism was characterized by passionate and often confrontational campaigns against animal cruelty. She worked tirelessly to:

• End the hunting of wild animals
• Stop the slaughter of dolphins in fishing nets
• Abolish the farming of minks and other fur-bearing animals
• Protect endangered species globally

Through these efforts, Bardot sought to reshape her legacy, focusing the world's attention on the suffering of voiceless creatures. For millions of supporters, this work defined her true character far more than her cinematic past.

Despite her celebrated career and activism, Brigitte Bardot's legacy is deeply stained by a series of controversial statements and political views. Over the decades, she evolved into what many described as a mouthpiece for racial hatred. Her views, which grew increasingly ugly and divisive over time, drew widespread condemnation and legal repercussions.

Bardot frequently expressed anti-immigrant and Islamophobic sentiments, criticizing the perceived "Islamization" of France. She faced multiple convictions in French courts for inciting racial hatred, turning her from a beloved national treasure into a polarizing and often reviled public figure. Her comments alienated former admirers and sparked protests.

This aspect of her persona created a stark paradox: a woman who dedicated her life to protecting the vulnerable (animals) was simultaneously accused of attacking vulnerable human communities. This contradiction remains the most challenging part of her legacy for critics to reconcile.

The announcement of Brigitte Bardot's death on December 28 highlighted the fractured nature of her public image. The news prompted a wide range of reactions, from tributes to condemnation, illustrating how difficult it is to summarize her impact in simple terms.

Singer Chappell Roan, representing a younger generation of artists, responded to Bardot’s passing by posting a photo of the actor in her "beehived prime" on Instagram. Roan acknowledged Bardot's direct influence on her own art, stating that Bardot had inspired her song Red Wine Supernova. In her post, Roan wrote a simple tribute: "Rest in peace Ms Bardot."

This moment of appreciation from a contemporary musician stands in contrast to the broader, more complicated historical assessment of Bardot. Her death serves as a final reminder of the paradox she represented: a woman of immense beauty and influence who was both a celebrated icon and a source of profound controversy.