In the world of pop culture, inspiration often feels like a bridge connecting different eras. This past weekend, however, that bridge hit a sudden roadblock when rising queer pop star Chappell Roan posted—and then quickly retracted—a tribute to the late French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot.
A Legend Fades Into Silence
The news broke this Sunday that Brigitte Bardot, the iconic face of European cinema and a transformative sex symbol, passed away at the age of 91 in her home in the South of France. While a specific cause of death hasn’t been shared, it’s known that she had undergone surgery for a serious illness just a few months prior in October.
As the world took to social media to mourn the loss of a woman who defined an era of style, Chappell Roan joined the chorus with a heartfelt message. She revealed that Bardot had been a core visual muse for her, stating, “She was my inspiration for ‘Red Wine Supernova.’ Rest in peace, Mrs. Bardot”.
The Complicated Legacy of an Icon
For many, Bardot was more than an actress; she was a fierce defender of animal rights who famously walked away from the spotlight at age 40 to protect the voiceless. But for Chappell Roan—a prominent voice and advocate for the LGBTQ+ movement—there was a darker side to the “goddess” that she hadn’t yet discovered.
Beyond the glamour and the activism, Bardot’s history was marred by controversy. Over the years, she became known for making homophobic and xenophobic remarks in various books and interviews, as well as voicing anti-immigrant sentiments. These views stood in stark contrast to the inclusive, queer-positive world that Chappell Roan has built for her fans.
A Lesson in “Doing the Homework”
When the backlash from fans began to pour in, the “Red Wine Supernova” singer didn’t hesitate. She deleted the tribute and addressed the situation with raw honesty:
“Sh*t. I didn’t know all those crazy things Mrs. Bardot supported. Obviously, I don’t approve of this. It’s very disappointing to find out”.
The incident has sparked a heated debate online. Some observers criticized the singer for not knowing the history of her own inspiration, suggesting it is an example of modern stars jumping on “trends” without understanding the background of the figures they celebrate. Meanwhile, others in the comments argued that one should be able to honor an artist’s professional contribution to the industry without necessarily endorsing their personal ideologies.
The Takeaway
In our fast-paced digital age, this story serves as a gentle reminder that our heroes are often as complex as they are beautiful. For Chappell Roan, the discovery was a disappointing one, proving that sometimes the brightest stars of the past carry shadows that we only see when we look a little closer.
In short: It’s okay to admire the art, but in the modern era, knowing the artist is just as important as the work they leave behind.
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