Chappell Roan initially celebrated Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress, as the muse behind her hit song, “Red Wine Supernova.” The tribute, posted online, quickly drew attention – and not the kind Roan anticipated.
Fans swiftly responded, flooding Roan’s comments with reminders of Bardot’s deeply troubling past. The actress, while a celebrated figure of cinema and later a dedicated animal rights activist, held views that were shockingly prejudiced and inflammatory.
Bardot’s controversial statements included disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, once referring to gay people as “fairground freaks” in her published writings. She also faced five convictions for inciting racial hatred, a stark contrast to the glamorous image she projected.
The singer, upon learning of the extent of Bardot’s problematic beliefs, swiftly retracted her initial praise. “Holy st i did not know all that insane st Ms. Bardot stood for obvs I do not condone this,” she wrote, expressing her disappointment and regret.
Bardot’s rise to fame began in 1956 with “And God Created Woman,” a film that catapulted her to international stardom and cemented her status as a 1960s “sex symbol.” She captivated audiences with her beauty and charisma, becoming a defining face of post-war cinema.
However, Bardot ultimately walked away from the spotlight, dedicating the remainder of her life to animal welfare. She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, pouring her energy and resources into advocating for animal rights and challenging practices she deemed harmful.
News of Bardot’s death, following a period of illness and recent surgery, prompted tributes from across the globe. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed her as “a legend of the century,” while far-right politician Marine Le Pen described her as “incredibly French.”
The actress’s legacy remains complex and deeply divided. While celebrated for her artistic contributions and animal advocacy, her history of prejudice casts a long shadow, prompting a critical reevaluation of her public image and the values she espoused.
Chappell Roan’s experience serves as a potent reminder of the importance of thoroughly understanding the figures we admire, acknowledging the full scope of their actions and beliefs, and refusing to overlook harmful ideologies, even within the context of artistic inspiration.
