PARIS: Legendary French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has reassured fans that she is in good health, after widespread social media rumors falsely claimed that the 91-year-old star had passed away.
In a statement posted on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday evening, Bardot dismissed the speculation with her signature wit and candor, calling out those spreading misinformation online.
“I’m doing well,” she wrote. “I don’t know which idiot started this ‘fake news’ story about my death tonight, but rest assured that I am fine and have no intention of bowing out.”
The post, which quickly went viral, came amid a surge of false reports and social media chatter about Bardot’s health — reflecting a growing trend of celebrity death hoaxes that circulate widely before being debunked.
Surgery ‘Went Particularly Well,’ Says Representative
Bardot’s representatives confirmed that she recently underwent a minor surgical procedure at a private hospital in southern France last week. The surgery, according to her office, “went particularly well,” and the actress has since made a full recovery.
Following the operation, Bardot returned to her home in Saint-Tropez on Friday — the Riviera resort town that has become synonymous with her name since she retreated there in 1973 after ending her film career.
Sources close to the star told AFP that Bardot is “in good spirits” and continues to spend her days surrounded by her pets and wildlife — a reflection of her decades-long dedication to animal welfare.
From Screen Siren to Activist
Brigitte Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s with films such as “And God Created Woman” and “Contempt,” becoming one of the most recognizable faces in European cinema and a global symbol of sensuality and rebellion.
In 1973, at the height of her fame, Bardot shocked fans by announcing her retirement from acting to focus entirely on animal rights activism.
She went on to establish the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in 1986, which continues to campaign globally against animal cruelty, fur farming, and hunting practices.
Public Reassurance Amid Online Speculation
This week’s health rumors are not the first time the actress has been forced to respond to speculation about her wellbeing. Bardot has maintained a low public profile in recent years but remains an outspoken advocate for animal rights through social media and her foundation’s work.
Her latest message — both humorous and defiant — reassured fans worldwide who grew concerned over the online chatter.
“I am fine and have no plans of bowing out,” Bardot wrote, reinforcing that even at 91, she remains as resilient and spirited as ever.
