Saint-Tropez Mourns the Loss of Film Star and Animal Rights Activist Brigitte Bardot
The picturesque French town of Saint-Tropez was filled with emotion as it bid farewell to its most famous resident, 91-year-old film star and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot. The iconic actress, who died on December 28th, was laid to rest in a private ceremony that was broadcast live across the town, drawing thousands of mourners.
Bardot's funeral service at Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church was attended by her favourite politician, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, sparking controversy among some who saw it as an unusual association. The two women had reportedly shared mutual admiration in the past, with Bardot once calling Le Pen a "modern-day Joan of Arc." However, not everyone was pleased to see the two figures together, with some critics accusing Le Pen's anti-immigration views of being at odds with Bardot's legacy.
Despite the controversy, the ceremony itself was described as simple and heartfelt, reflecting Bardot's desire for a low-key funeral. The service was attended by family members, including her son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, as well as French singers Jean-Roch and Mireille Mathieu, TV personality Caroline Margeridon, and marine conservationist Paul Watson.
The focus of the ceremony was expected to be on Bardot's devotion to animal rights, a cause she had championed for many years. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation had promised that the service would reflect her life and legacy, with some "surprises" planned to pay tribute to her memory.
However, not everyone has been quick to praise Bardot's record on animal welfare. Politician Sandrine Rousseau of the Greens expressed disappointment and cynicism over Bardot's stance on migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, suggesting that her dedication to dolphins was hypocritical by comparison.
As the town of Saint-Tropez mourns the loss of its most famous resident, many are taking a moment to reflect on Bardot's complex legacy. While some celebrate her pioneering work for animal rights and sexual liberation, others have criticized her later life choices as being at odds with her earlier ideals. Regardless, one thing is certain: Brigitte Bardot will be deeply missed by fans around the world.
The picturesque French town of Saint-Tropez was filled with emotion as it bid farewell to its most famous resident, 91-year-old film star and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot. The iconic actress, who died on December 28th, was laid to rest in a private ceremony that was broadcast live across the town, drawing thousands of mourners.
Bardot's funeral service at Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church was attended by her favourite politician, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, sparking controversy among some who saw it as an unusual association. The two women had reportedly shared mutual admiration in the past, with Bardot once calling Le Pen a "modern-day Joan of Arc." However, not everyone was pleased to see the two figures together, with some critics accusing Le Pen's anti-immigration views of being at odds with Bardot's legacy.
Despite the controversy, the ceremony itself was described as simple and heartfelt, reflecting Bardot's desire for a low-key funeral. The service was attended by family members, including her son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, as well as French singers Jean-Roch and Mireille Mathieu, TV personality Caroline Margeridon, and marine conservationist Paul Watson.
The focus of the ceremony was expected to be on Bardot's devotion to animal rights, a cause she had championed for many years. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation had promised that the service would reflect her life and legacy, with some "surprises" planned to pay tribute to her memory.
However, not everyone has been quick to praise Bardot's record on animal welfare. Politician Sandrine Rousseau of the Greens expressed disappointment and cynicism over Bardot's stance on migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, suggesting that her dedication to dolphins was hypocritical by comparison.
As the town of Saint-Tropez mourns the loss of its most famous resident, many are taking a moment to reflect on Bardot's complex legacy. While some celebrate her pioneering work for animal rights and sexual liberation, others have criticized her later life choices as being at odds with her earlier ideals. Regardless, one thing is certain: Brigitte Bardot will be deeply missed by fans around the world.