Tribute or Controversy? Brigitte Bardot's Legacy Sparks Debate in France

Tue Dec 30 2025 18:29:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brigitte Bardot's passing at 91 has ignited a political debate about her legacy and the call for a national tribute in France.

Following the death of legendary actress Brigitte Bardot, a call for a national tribute has sparked considerable debate in France, with right-wing politician Éric Ciotti leading the charge. While supporters highlight her iconic status and contributions to women's rights, opponents argue her controversial history tarnishes her legacy. The discussion reflects the complexities of honoring public figures in a polarized political landscape.

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 argues.

Bardot has been hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as a legend of the century who embodied a life of freedom, and Ciotti 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, 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 since her rise to fame in 1956. She left the film industry in 1973 to devote her life to animal welfare, residing in Saint-Tropez.

Despite her legacy, Bardot's far-right sympathies and controversial remarks have drawn criticism. Green MP Sandrine Rousseau questioned the sincerity of her animal rights activism in light of her views on marginalized communities.

Ciotti's proposal follows a tradition of national tributes in France, such as those given to prominent figures like Robert Badinter. However, Bardot's legacy continues to evoke mixed feelings among the public and politicians.

Ultimately, Bardot herself shunned public ceremonies, preferring a life of simplicity and intimacy. She requested to be buried privately, as she was concerned about the potential crowd disruption at her family's graves. Her funeral is set for January 7, broadcasted across Saint-Tropez.