Brigitte Bardot Dies, Leaving Legacy of Glamour and Controversy

Film icon and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died. She was 90. International media are remembering her impact on cinema and style. In the 1950s and 60s, she became a global symbol of beauty and freedom. Later in life, she focused strongly on animal welfare. However, her political statements drew widespread criticism. French courts convicted her multiple times for hate speech. Her targets often included Muslim communities. She also insulted inhabitants of the French island of Reunion, calling them "savages." Her later support for far-right political ideas further divided public opinion. Tributes now balance her early stardom against her controversial activism.