Debate Erupts Over National Tribute to Brigitte Bardot Posthumously

Wed Dec 31 2025 09:23:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following the death of film icon Brigitte Bardot, a proposal for a national tribute by right-wing leader Éric Ciotti has sparked political controversy in France.

Éric Ciotti, a prominent figure in the French right-wing party, has initiated a call for a national tribute to renowned actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot after her passing at age 91. While many on the right support this homage as a recognition of Bardot's contributions to France, objections arise from the left, who highlight her controversial statements and actions. President Macron praised Bardot as a 'legend of the century,' but the debate continues on whether such an honor is appropriate.

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.

She then left the world of cinema in 1973 for a life devoted to animal welfare, living for decades in Saint-Tropez at her home called La Madrague.

Her far-right sympathies overshadow her legacy, with comments targeting Muslims and residents of Réunion drawing criticism.

To be moved by the plight of dolphins and yet be indifferent to the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean - what degree of cynicism is that? asked Green MP Sandrine Rousseau on social media.

There are differing types of national tribute in France, as shown by previous honorees. Some believe Bardot deserves the same respect, while others suggest a simpler approach would be more fitting.

Bardot, who shunned the limelight for decades, had expressed a preference for simplicity in life. Close associates have voiced doubt that she would have welcomed such a grand national homage.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicated to animal welfare, has announced that her funeral will take place on 7 January at the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church and will be broadcasted across town.