Chappell Roan walks back praise of Brigitte Bardot after fans point out the late icon’s far-right views and hate speech convictions.
Chappell Roan is facing a moment many modern pop stars know well: learning, in real time, that a cultural icon she admired comes with a complicated and troubling legacy.
The singer recently paid tribute to French actress Brigitte Bardot after news of Bardot’s death, calling her an inspiration behind Roan’s breakout song “Red Wine Supernova.” The reference made sense on the surface. Bardot was a major symbol of beauty, rebellion, and style in the 1950s and 1960s, and Roan even mentions her by name in the opening lyric of the song.
But soon after the post went up, fans flooded Roan’s comments with reminders that Bardot’s later life was defined not just by movies and fashion, but by repeated controversies tied to far-right politics and racist statements. Bardot was convicted multiple times in France for inciting racial hatred, largely due to comments targeting Muslims and immigrants.
After seeing the backlash, Roan quickly addressed it on Instagram Stories. She made it clear that she did not know about Bardot’s political views or legal history when she first posted. In a blunt and emotional message, Roan said she does not support what Bardot stood for politically and called it “very disappointing” to learn.
Her response struck a chord with fans, especially younger listeners who often see pop stars as both artists and moral voices. For many, this wasn’t about canceling Roan, but about accountability and learning. Roan didn’t delete her original admiration for Bardot’s cultural impact, but she did draw a clear line between artistic inspiration and personal beliefs.
Bardot’s legacy has long been split. To some, she remains a symbol of classic European cinema and an early advocate for animal rights through the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. To others, her public statements and ties to France’s far-right political movement overshadow everything else. Even French media has struggled with how to remember her, often separating “Bardot the actress” from “Bardot the political figure.”
Roan’s situation highlights a bigger issue in pop culture today: many famous figures from the past are being reexamined through a modern lens. Artists often reference icons for their style or image without fully knowing their personal histories. When that history surfaces, the response matters.
In Roan’s case, she chose to listen, admit she didn’t know, and clearly reject the harmful views associated with Bardot. For many fans, that honesty helped turn a misstep into a learning moment — both for the singer and her audience.
