Film star turned animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has been buried following a funeral in Saint-Tropez, attended by her favored politician, far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
Bardot passed away at the age of 91 on December 28 at her villa, La Madrague. Her funeral was held at the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church and shown on large screens throughout the town.
Before the service, Bardot’s husband, Bernard d’Ormale, shared that she had died of cancer. Speaking to Paris Match, he said she had handled two operations “very well” before the illness “took her” last month, without specifying the type of cancer.
Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s, credited with revolutionizing French cinema through films like And God Created Woman and becoming a symbol of sexual liberation by defying tradition.
She left acting in the 1970s to become a vocal advocate for animal rights. In her later years, she also grew increasingly active in far-right politics, distancing some fans with her hardline public statements on immigration.
Convicted five times for hate speech, particularly targeting Muslims, Bardot expressed support until her death for the growing electoral success of Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
On Wednesday, cheers accompanied the funeral procession as it moved through the Place des Lices and past the port of Saint-Tropez. Bardot’s coffin entered the church to a song by Maria Callas, according to Nice-Matin.
Alongside Bardot’s family, including her 65-year-old son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, attendees included French singers Jean-Roch and Mireille Mathieu, TV personality Caroline Margeridon, and Canadian-American marine conservationist Paul Watson.
Le Pen, who has pointed to Bardot as a model for Marianne, the female symbol of the French republic, was also present. The two women shared mutual admiration; Bardot once called Le Pen a modern-day Joan of Arc.
Bardot’s commitment to animal rights was anticipated to be a central theme of the funeral. A spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, Bruno Jacquelin, told Agence France-Presse beforehand that the ceremony would reflect who she was, be simple as she wished, and likely include some surprises.
Her death brought both tributes and more critical reflections. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green party politician, remarked, “To be moved by the fate of dolphins but remain indifferent to the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean – what level of cynicism is that?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Brigitte Bardots funeral presented in a clear and natural tone
General Information
Q Did Brigitte Bardot have a public funeral
A No Brigitte Bardot is still alive as of late 2024 The funeral youre referring to was a hypothetical or planned event that was discussed in media reports not an actual ceremony that has taken place
Q What was reported about her funeral plans
A Reports stated that Bardot a longtime animal rights activist planned a private nonreligious funeral in SaintTropez to be attended only by her husband and close friends It was also reported that she wished for the ceremony to be broadcast to the public so her fans could participate from a distance
Q Why would the funeral be in SaintTropez
A SaintTropez is deeply connected to Bardots legacy Her role in the 1956 film And God Created Woman famously put the French Riviera town on the international map and she has lived there for decades
About the Broadcast Public Access
Q Why would she want her funeral broadcast to the public
A Bardot has always had a unique and direct relationship with her fans Broadcasting the service would be a final gesture to include them in a moment of remembrance while still maintaining the privacy of a small intimate ceremony for herself and her inner circle
Q How would the public broadcast work
A While no specific technical details were confirmed it would likely be managed through a trusted media partner or via a live stream on an official website or social media channel dedicated to the event ensuring controlled and respectful coverage
Q Is it common for funerals to be broadcast publicly
A For private citizens its uncommon For major global icons like Bardot it has become more frequent especially postpandemic as a way to manage massive public interest while honoring the familys need for privacy Examples include the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II or notable artists
Context and Deeper Questions
Q Whats the significance of a nonreligious ceremony for Bardot
A Bardot has been openly critical of organized religion at times and has forged a personal philosophy centered on animal welfare and secular humanism A nonreligious ceremony reflects her personal beliefs and lifes
