Brigitte Bardot's funeral procession passed through the picturesque streets of Saint-Tropez before arriving at the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church, where she was laid to rest. The ceremony, broadcast on large screens across the town, drew a mix of mourners and critics who struggled to reconcile her legacy as an animal rights icon with her increasingly hardline views on immigration.
The far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Bardot's admirer and friend, attended the funeral alongside other notable figures including French singers Jean-Roch and Mireille Mathieu, and TV personality Caroline Margeridon. The atmosphere was tense as the crowd watched a live broadcast of the ceremony, with some critics pointing out the disconnect between Bardot's devotion to animal welfare and her indifference to human rights issues.
Bardot's death sparked tributes from around the world, but also criticisms that she had used her platform to promote xenophobic views. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green politician, accused Bardot of "cynicism" for highlighting her support for animal rights while ignoring the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean.
The funeral service, which was described as "simple" by Bruno Jacquelin, a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, aimed to reflect Bardot's values and personality. However, the event also raised questions about the complexities of Bardot's legacy and the challenges of reconciling her contradictory views on animal welfare and human rights.
Bardot's funeral procession was watched by thousands across Saint-Tropez, with some paying their respects as they caught a glimpse of the coffin being carried through the streets. The ceremony, which included a rendition of Maria Callas' song "La Donna Γ¨ Mobile", provided a poignant tribute to a woman who left an indelible mark on French culture and politics.
As the town mourned the loss of its beloved icon, many struggled to come to terms with the contradictions of Bardot's life. While she inspired countless fans with her commitment to animal welfare, her hardline views on immigration left some critics questioning whether she was a true champion of human rights.
The far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Bardot's admirer and friend, attended the funeral alongside other notable figures including French singers Jean-Roch and Mireille Mathieu, and TV personality Caroline Margeridon. The atmosphere was tense as the crowd watched a live broadcast of the ceremony, with some critics pointing out the disconnect between Bardot's devotion to animal welfare and her indifference to human rights issues.
Bardot's death sparked tributes from around the world, but also criticisms that she had used her platform to promote xenophobic views. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green politician, accused Bardot of "cynicism" for highlighting her support for animal rights while ignoring the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean.
The funeral service, which was described as "simple" by Bruno Jacquelin, a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, aimed to reflect Bardot's values and personality. However, the event also raised questions about the complexities of Bardot's legacy and the challenges of reconciling her contradictory views on animal welfare and human rights.
Bardot's funeral procession was watched by thousands across Saint-Tropez, with some paying their respects as they caught a glimpse of the coffin being carried through the streets. The ceremony, which included a rendition of Maria Callas' song "La Donna Γ¨ Mobile", provided a poignant tribute to a woman who left an indelible mark on French culture and politics.
As the town mourned the loss of its beloved icon, many struggled to come to terms with the contradictions of Bardot's life. While she inspired countless fans with her commitment to animal welfare, her hardline views on immigration left some critics questioning whether she was a true champion of human rights.