Chappell Roan has retracted a recent public tribute to Brigitte Bardot following criticism regarding the late French actress and activist’s controversial statements and legal convictions related to inciting racial hatred.
Roan, 27, initially posted on her Instagram Stories that Bardot had served as the inspiration for her 2023 song Red Wine Supernova, writing, “She was my inspiration for Red Wine Supernova. Rest in peace Ms. Bardot.” Following the post, fans highlighted Bardot’s history of legal convictions for inciting racial hatred, including comments targeting Muslim and Jewish communities, and urged Roan to remove her tribute.
In response, Roan issued a statement clarifying that she was unaware of Bardot’s controversial statements and convictions, emphasizing that she does not condone such behavior. She wrote, “Holy st I did not know all that insane st Ms. Bardot stood for obvs I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn.”
Bardot, widely recognized for her acting career, including her role in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, retired from cinema in 1973 and subsequently became an animal rights activist. However, her public remarks over the years have been widely criticized as racist, xenophobic, and homophobic. She has received multiple fines in France for incitement of racial hatred, including a €20,000 fine in 2021 for comments about residents of La Réunion.
Roan’s decision to retract her tribute underscores the public scrutiny surrounding Bardot’s legacy and the broader conversation about separating artistic influence from personal conduct.#newsafro_
