Chappell Roan Deletes Tribute to Brigitte Bardot After Learning of Late Actress’s Controversial Views

Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has deleted a social media tribute to French film icon Brigitte Bardot following renewed scrutiny of the late actress’s long-standing controversial political and social views.

Bardot, one of the most recognizable stars of post-war European cinema, passed away at the age of 91, according to a statement released earlier this week by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The foundation announced her death “with immense sadness,” describing Bardot as a world-renowned actress and singer who later abandoned her celebrated film career to dedicate her life to animal welfare and advocacy.

While the exact date of Bardot’s death has not been publicly confirmed, French media outlets including BBC News and The Independent reported that she is believed to have died peacefully at her home in the south of France.

Following the announcement, tributes quickly poured in from fans and public figures around the world. Among them was Chappell Roan, who shared a brief message honoring Bardot’s cultural influence. In her post, Roan wrote: “Rest in peace Ms. Bardot. She was my inspiration for Red Wine Supernova,” referencing lyrics from her song that directly mention the French star.

However, less than 24 hours later, Roan returned to social media to clarify her position and acknowledge that she had not been fully aware of Bardot’s controversial history. “I did not know all that insane s**t Ms. Bardot stood for,” Roan wrote, adding that she did not condone those views and found them “very disappointing” to learn about. Shortly afterward, she removed her original tribute post.

Despite her legendary status in film and fashion, Bardot’s legacy has long been complicated by her outspoken far-right political positions. Over the years, she was convicted multiple times in France for inciting racial hatred, according to reporting by Reuters and France 24. In her 2003 book Un Cri dans le Silence, Bardot also made derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, language that has since drawn widespread condemnation.

She later sparked further backlash with comments dismissing aspects of the #MeToo movement. In an interview with Paris Match, Bardot suggested that some allegations of harassment in the film industry were exaggerated, remarks that were criticized by women’s rights advocates and cultural commentators across Europe.

The renewed attention to these views following her death has reignited debate about how public figures should be remembered — whether for their artistic contributions, their activism, or the full scope of their beliefs. Media analysts cited by outlets such as The Guardian and BBC News note that similar conversations have emerged repeatedly in recent years as society reassesses historical figures through a modern lens.

Bardot retired from acting at the age of 39, having starred in nearly 50 films, including And God Created Woman, Contempt, and Viva Maria!. By the late 1950s, she was reportedly the highest-paid actress in France. In later life, she became a prominent animal rights activist, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which remains active today.

Just weeks before her death, the foundation had publicly denied reports that Bardot was seriously ill or hospitalized, urging the public to respect her privacy — statements reported by BBC News and The Independent.

Chappell Roan’s decision to remove her tribute reflects a broader cultural shift in how artists and public figures respond when confronted with the more troubling aspects of their inspirations. While Bardot’s influence on cinema and pop culture remains undeniable, Roan’s response highlights the growing expectation for accountability and awareness in public expressions of admiration.

As tributes and debates continue, Bardot’s passing has left behind a legacy that is both iconic and deeply contested — celebrated for its artistic impact, yet scrutinized for the views that complicated her place in history.