Chappell Roan withdraws praise for Brigitte Bardot after learning of far-right record

Roan reversed earlier praise of Bardot after fans highlighted the late actress' far-right views

Chappell Roan has withdrawn earlier praise of Brigitte Bardot after learning more about the late French actor’s political record, following feedback from fans on social media.

Roan had initially posted a tribute after news of Bardot’s death, writing on Instagram Stories, “Rest in peace Ms. Bardot. She was my inspiration for red wine supernova.” The comment prompted pushback from fans who pointed out Bardot’s history of far-right activism and multiple convictions in France for inciting racial hatred.

Photo: Instagram

In a subsequent post on Monday, Roan acknowledged her lack of awareness, writing, “Holy sh*t I did not know all that insane sh*t Ms. Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn.” The singer’s follow-up message framed her earlier post as uninformed rather than an endorsement of Bardot’s political views.

Bardot has long occupied a divided place in French cultural memory. While she rose to international fame in the 1960s as a screen icon, including appearances in films such as Contempt her later life became dominated by outspoken political statements. She was convicted five times by French courts for inciting racial hatred, largely linked to comments targeting Muslims in France.

French newspaper Le Monde wrote in a remembrance, “Brigitte Bardot, the actress, was known for ‘Le Mépris (Contempt)’; Bardot, the political figure, embodied racial hatred. Convicted five times for inciting racial hatred, Bardot remained, for three decades, an exception in French culture – the only celebrity to openly defend the far right.” The paper added that, “Her advocacy for animals went hand in hand with her Islamophobia.”

Roan’s artistic connection to Bardot has been evident in her work, notably through a reference in the opening line of “Red Wine Supernova.”