Chappell Roan denounces Brigitte Bardot after far-right controversy

Pop singer Chappell Roan has spoken out forcefully against French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, drawing a clear line between artistic influence and personal values amid renewed controversy surrounding Bardot’s long history of far-right political views. Roan’s remarks came after discussions online resurfaced Bardot’s past statements on immigration, race, and nationalism, prompting debate about how modern artists engage with cultural icons whose beliefs clash with contemporary values.

Roan, who has risen rapidly in pop music for her bold aesthetic, theatrical performances, and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, addressed the issue directly when asked about artistic inspirations and comparisons that have occasionally linked her style to Bardot’s iconic image. While acknowledging Bardot’s historical impact on fashion and film, Roan made it clear that she rejects the actress’s political ideology and does not want her work associated with someone whose views she finds harmful.

Brigitte Bardot, once celebrated worldwide as a symbol of glamour and liberation in French cinema, has for decades been a polarizing figure due to her outspoken nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric. Over the years, Bardot has faced multiple legal convictions in France for hate speech, particularly targeting Muslim communities and immigrants. Though largely retired from acting, she has remained active in public discourse through letters, interviews, and political commentary, frequently aligning herself with far-right causes.

Chappell Roan emphasized that admiration for art should not come at the expense of ignoring the real-world consequences of an individual’s beliefs. She stated that while history cannot be erased, it also should not be romanticized without context. According to Roan, continuing to elevate figures who promote exclusionary or discriminatory ideas sends a damaging message, particularly to marginalized communities.

Her comments resonated strongly with fans, many of whom view Roan as part of a new generation of artists unwilling to separate creative legacy from social responsibility. On social media, supporters praised her for taking a principled stand and for addressing the issue without ambiguity. Others noted that Roan’s response reflects a broader cultural shift in which younger audiences increasingly scrutinize public figures beyond their artistic contributions.

The controversy also reignited debate around how pop culture engages with older icons. Bardot’s image has long been referenced in fashion, music, and film, often detached from her later political life. Critics argue that this selective remembrance allows harmful ideologies to be sidelined, while defenders claim that separating art from artist is necessary to preserve cultural history. Roan’s position challenges that notion, suggesting that silence can amount to complicity.

Roan’s denunciation comes at a time when far-right movements across Europe and beyond have gained renewed visibility, prompting heightened sensitivity around public endorsements, even indirect ones. In this context, her remarks were not only about Bardot herself, but about rejecting ideologies that promote division, exclusion, and intolerance.

The singer also addressed the discomfort she feels when journalists or fans draw stylistic comparisons between her and Bardot. While Roan embraces vintage glamour and theatrical femininity, she clarified that her influences are rooted in queer expression, self-determination, and inclusivity rather than nostalgia for figures associated with oppressive beliefs. She expressed frustration that aesthetic similarities are sometimes used to flatten complex identities and histories.

Cultural commentators have noted that Roan’s comments highlight a generational reckoning within the arts. Younger creators are increasingly vocal about their values, often using their platforms to challenge long-standing narratives that once went unquestioned. This shift has led to more open discussions about accountability, legacy, and the power dynamics embedded in celebrity culture.

Brigitte Bardot’s defenders argue that her political views should not overshadow her contributions to film history or animal rights activism, another area in which she has been highly visible. However, critics counter that repeated legal convictions and sustained far-right advocacy cannot be dismissed as personal opinion without consequences. Roan’s remarks reflect this latter view, emphasizing that influence carries responsibility.

For Roan, the issue is deeply personal. As an openly queer artist whose work celebrates freedom of expression and marginalized identities, aligning—even unintentionally—with figures who oppose those values feels unacceptable. She stressed that her music and public persona are meant to create safe spaces, not reopen wounds tied to discrimination or hate.

The discussion surrounding Roan and Bardot has sparked wider reflection within the music and fashion industries. Artists, stylists, and fans alike are increasingly questioning how inspiration is framed and whether it is possible—or ethical—to divorce visual homage from political reality. Roan’s stance suggests that transparency and clarity matter more than maintaining comfortable ambiguity.

Ultimately, Chappell Roan’s denunciation of Brigitte Bardot underscores a growing insistence on moral accountability in pop culture. Her comments serve as a reminder that influence is not neutral and that public figures, past and present, shape cultural values in lasting ways. By speaking out, Roan has positioned herself not just as a pop star, but as a cultural voice willing to challenge uncomfortable truths.