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France’s president to skip Brigitte Bardot’s funeral as Le Pen confirms attendance

French screen legend Brigitte Bardot’s final send-off in Saint-Tropez exposes a rift over her controversial far-right legacy

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A woman places a floral tribute at the statue of the late French singer, actor and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot, at Place Blanqui in Saint-Tropez, France. Photo: Reuters
Agence France-Presse

France’s three-time presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen, is to attend the funeral next week of 1950s and 1960s film star Brigitte Bardot, a member of her team said on Tuesday.

President Emmanuel Macron – who on Sunday hailed Bardot as a “legend” – would however not attend her funeral, a source in his office said.

Bardot, who died aged 91 on Sunday, drew criticism in her later years for her anti-immigration views and for supporting the far-right.
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She was several times convicted in court for hate speech, including against Muslims.

Brigitte Bardot in Brussels in 1992 at a protest against animal cruelty. The former actress died on Sunday at 91. Photo: AP
Brigitte Bardot in Brussels in 1992 at a protest against animal cruelty. The former actress died on Sunday at 91. Photo: AP
The animal welfare advocate backed Le Pen when she ran for president in 2012 and 2017, describing her as a modern “Joan of Arc” who could save the country.
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The presidency has offered Bardot’s family to hold a national homage for her but they have not responded, the source in Macron’s office added.
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