A few days after the passing of Brigitte Bardot, the renowned French actress, at the age of 91, I found myself strolling around Molitor’s pool—the site that marked the debut of her iconic bikini back in 1946.
You remember how striking it was when she donned that outfit in *Manina* at just 17? It was bold for the time.
Honestly, most men were probably too mesmerized to raise any objections.
The real uproar, though, came later. It often does when women refuse to fit neatly into society’s expectations.
Everyone seemed to adore Bardot while she stayed within the narrow confines of femininity defined by men.
She played the girl-next-door role, a soft and endearing star.
But then she had the audacity to declare herself a completely free woman.
Someone unbound by male expectations, societal norms, or even mainstream feminism.
She chose not to be a mother after having her child, publicly supported women’s reproductive rights (long before they were legislated in France), and refused to be confined by others’ definitions of who or what a woman should be.
Her assertiveness regarding her own body and choices rattled both social conservatives and some feminists.
While she championed independence and self-ownership, she didn’t exactly conform to any specific ideology.
Bardot often expressed frustration with France’s immigration policies and even faced legal consequences for comments on various issues, including the treatment of animals and demographic shifts in the country.
Her viewpoints sparked considerable debate during the 2012 elections, and she seemed almost prophetic in recognizing the challenges Europe faces today.
When the #MeToo movement emerged in Hollywood, she referred to it as “hypocritical,” suggesting that some women may have compromised their integrity to secure roles.
In effect, she opted out of playing the victim, which some found frustrating.
Even in death, her unapologetic nature continues to unsettle some people.
Those who viewed her as merely a symbol of beauty were taken aback to discover she was a complex individual with her own beliefs.
A singer commented on Bardot’s unexpected past, expressing regret over her unawareness.
Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter, Apple, deleted a tributing post, confessing a lack of understanding regarding Bardot’s perspectives and her abhorrence of hatred.
Clearly, Bardot was influential, especially with the rise of social media, but it was scandalous that she dared to think independently.
Vogue even noted, “Honoring Brigitte Bardot doesn’t absolve her missteps,” particularly in connection with her support for right-wing politicians.
One of those, Marine Le Pen, was invited to Bardot’s funeral while she currently leads in presidential polls, alongside another right-leaning figure.
On the other hand, President Emmanuel Macron was reportedly declined the opportunity to politicize Bardot’s passing.
Instead, her husband spoke highly of her commitment to animal rights, suggesting that a state office for animal welfare would be a fitting tribute.
Critics labeled her commitment to French culture as “racist,” overlooking her past efforts to support figures like Josephine Baker, a celebrated icon who championed multiculturalism.
While Bardot valued freedom, many in the French establishment seem to ignore those virtues.
A few years back, she joined a protest movement wearing a yellow vest, standing against what she saw as overreach from authorities.
Did Bardot consider herself a feminist?
Not in the conventional way.
But she lived unapologetically, embracing radical freedom and defining her own version of femininity.
If feminism is to evolve, it might benefit from embracing diverse narratives like hers.
The populist movements she supported could also resonate better by adopting the freedom and femininity she represented.
After all, Bardot was often ahead of her time.
And she was more than just a pretty face.
