Chrissie Hynde Stands Up for Brigitte Bardot Amid Controversy

Chrissie Hynde has come to the defense of Brigitte Bardot’s reputation following the French star’s recent death, as public debate swirls around Bardot’s political stances. Bardot passed away in Saint-Tropez, France, on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She had been hospitalized in October, and her funeral, held earlier this week, was broadcast throughout Saint-Tropez for the public. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, shared with Paris Match that Bardot was diagnosed with cancer shortly before her death and underwent two major surgeries in her final days.

Since Bardot’s passing, her legacy has come under intense scrutiny, with many articles questioning her impact. One piece in Vogue Magazine, titled ‘Mourning Brigitte Bardot Doesn’t Mean Absolving Her,’ particularly drew Hynde’s ire. Bardot’s history includes five court appearances between 1997 and 2008 for inciting racial hatred, largely due to Islamophobic remarks. She was a vocal supporter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s National Rally, and his daughter Marine, who attended Bardot’s funeral.

Hynde’s Response to the Backlash

On her social media, Hynde criticized the Vogue article, writing,

Are you kidding me? Vogue magazine vilifying Brigitte Bardot the minute she died? Vogue magazine, and every fashion magazine in the world for that matter, owes more to Brigitte Bardot than any other human living or dead.

Hynde praised Bardot’s influence, saying she embodied grace, elegance, beauty, glamour, style, and women’s rights. She also highlighted Bardot’s dedication to animal rights, stating that anyone familiar with the cause would always side with animals facing abuse or cruelty.

The Pretenders’ frontwoman insisted that Bardot’s political views should not overshadow her cultural contributions. She addressed accusations of Islamophobia, remarking,

And by the way, a ‘phobia’ is an irrational fear. I cannot imagine that Bardot had any irrational fears judging by the way she lived her life. Perhaps people working for Vogue magazine should buy themselves a dictionary.

Hynde wrapped up her comments by questioning the relevance of fashion magazines, adding that in the rock world, artists like Lemmy and Bardot were admired for their authentic self-expression, not for relying on stylists or makeup artists.

Reactions from the Music World

After Bardot’s death, pop singer Chappell Roan posted a tribute on Instagram Stories on December 28, writing, “Rest in peace Ms. Bardot. She was my inspiration for red wine supernova. ” However, after learning more about Bardot’s controversial views, Roan deleted her post and clarified, “Holy shit I did not know all that insane shit Ms. Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn.”

The conversation around Bardot’s legacy remains heated, with strong opinions on both sides about how her political beliefs should factor into her remembrance. As the debate continues, figures like Hynde argue for separating Bardot’s cultural and humanitarian achievements from her political controversies.