A tribute to the late French actress Brigitte Bardot at the César Awards, often referred to as France’s Oscars, was met with significant backlash from the audience. During the ceremony, a montage showcasing iconic scenes from Bardot’s films, including “And God Created Woman” and “Contempt,” was presented, but the reception was far from warm.
Footage from the event captured the discontent among attendees, with one guest loudly accusing Bardot of racism while others joined in to boo the tribute. The clip quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over 156,000 views and sparking widespread debate about Bardot’s legacy.
Bardot, who passed away in December at the age of 91 after battling cancer, was a prominent figure in post-war cinema and enjoyed significant fame as a global sex symbol. After retiring from acting in the late 1970s, she became known for her animal activism. However, her advocacy was often overshadowed by her controversial far-right views, which included multiple fines for promoting racial hatred. Her outspoken remarks targeted minorities, particularly Muslim immigrants in France and the indigenous communities of Réunion.
Upon Bardot’s death, discussions surrounding her complex legacy intensified. Pop singer Chappell Roan faced criticism for previously calling Bardot an inspiration, later retracting her admiration after learning about Bardot’s controversial statements. Roan expressed her disappointment, stating, “I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn.”
In the obituary published by Le Monde, Bardot was described as embodying “racial hatred” and noted as a unique figure within French culture for openly aligning with far-right ideals for decades. While Bardot’s contributions to cinema remain influential, her enduring legacy is marred by her contentious political views, which have sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics alike.