Macron to skip Bardot funeral as France splits over state tribute

French President Emmanuel Macron will not attend the funeral of iconic actress Brigitte Bardot, scheduled for January 7 in Saint-Tropez, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen is expected to be present. The decision follows the Bardot family’s rejection of an official state tribute, the Élysée Palace confirmed.

The presidency said it had been in contact with Bardot’s family after her death was announced on December 28 and had proposed a national tribute in line with “republican custom.” Such tributes, the Élysée noted, are “systematically decided by mutual agreement with the deceased’s relatives.” No agreement was reached in this case, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Despite the family’s decision, the question of whether France should formally honour one of its most internationally recognised film stars has sparked sharp political debate, largely along ideological lines.

On the right, Eric Ciotti, president of the UDR party allied with the National Rally, launched a petition calling for a national tribute. Bardot maintained long-standing ties to the far right and was openly close to the party.

On the left, reactions were more restrained. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, described Bardot as “an iconic actress” but argued that national honours should be reserved for individuals who had rendered “exceptional services to the nation.” He also pointed to her repeated convictions for racist and homophobic remarks, saying she had ultimately “turned her back on republican values.”

In any event, President Macron will not attend the funeral, which will be held privately in Saint-Tropez.

Relations between Bardot and the French president had been strained for years. In 2023, she addressed an open letter to Macron accusing him of failing to act on animal welfare. “I am angry at your inaction, your cowardice, your contempt for the French people, who, it is true, treat you well in return,” she wrote.

Brigitte Bardot, a symbol of French cinema and later a controversial public figure, died at the age of 91.

By Vafa Guliyeva