Debate Erupts Over Tribute to Brigitte Bardot Following Her Passing

Wed Dec 31 2025 11:06:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The call for a national tribute to iconic French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot is sparking controversy, highlighting differences in political views in France.

Following the death of Brigitte Bardot, calls for a national tribute led by right-wing politician Éric Ciotti have been met with objections, particularly from the left who argue Bardot's life and beliefs do not align with republican values. While Ciotti pushes for recognition of Bardot's contributions to freedom and women's rights, critics point to her controversial statements and actions that have marred her legacy. The discussion continues as supporters and detractors present their viewpoints.

French right-wing figure Éric Ciotti has called for a national tribute to honour film legend Brigitte Bardot, prompting objections from political opponents on the left.

France has a duty to honour its Marianne, said Ciotti, referring to the emblem of French liberty whose face Bardot was chosen to represent in the 1960s.

Bardot died on Sunday aged 91. A petition launched by Ciotti since has attracted more than 23,000 signatures, and has the backing of some allies on the far right.

But Socialist leader Olivier Faure has pointed out that national homages are for exceptional services to the nation. Bardot was an iconic actress but she also turned her back on republican values, Faure argued.

Bardot has been hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as a legend of the century who embodied a life of freedom, and Ciotti, who leads the right-wing UDR party, has appealed to him to organise a national send-off.

Ciotti said France should recognise a woman who brought her country an extraordinary level of international recognition and actively helped in the fight for women's liberty and abortion rights. Meanwhile, the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has announced that his city will name an iconic site in Bardot's honour.

But Bardot is destined to remain controversial in death as she was during her life. Faure pointed out that she had been convicted five times for inciting racial hatred. Bardot starred in some 50 films, after bursting on to the scene in And God Created Woman in 1956.

However, she became as well known for her far-right sympathies as she was for her love of animals. Some of her remarks targeted Muslims, and others insulted the people of the French Indian Ocean island of Réunion.

Green MP Sandrine Rousseau questioned the hypocrisy in being moved by the plight of dolphins while being indifferent to the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean.

The discussion around Bardot's legacy includes various perspectives. Not everyone on the left is opposed to the idea of a national homage to Bardot. Some suggest public tributes similar to the farewell given to rock star Johnny Hallyday in 2017 should be explored.

Bardot had shunned the limelight for decades, with close friends suggesting she would not have wanted any national homage. Journalist Steven Bellery remarked that she desired something more intimate and simple.

Ultimately, discussions continue about how to appropriately honour a figure as complex and controversial as Bardot, as plans for her funeral scheduled for January 7 unfold amidst ongoing debate.