Chappell Roan Deletes Brigitte Bardot Tribute After Learning About Her Controversial Legacy

Chappell Roan has addressed backlash after briefly posting a tribute to Brigitte Bardot, only to delete it once fans highlighted the French icon’s long-standing history of racist remarks and far-right political views.

The singer initially shared the tribute following renewed attention around Bardot, noting the actress as a point of artistic inspiration. Bardot is notably referenced in the opening line of Roan’s breakout track “Red Wine Supernova,” where she appears as a symbol of vintage glamour and femininity.

However, the post quickly sparked criticism from fans, many of whom pointed out that Bardot’s legacy extends far beyond her work in film. In recent decades, Bardot has been fined multiple times in France for inciting racial hatred and has publicly aligned herself with far-right political movements, positions that sharply contrast with Roan’s values and the LGBTQ+ community that largely makes up her fanbase.

Banish bad ads for good

Google AdSense's Auto ads lets you designate ad-free zones, giving you full control over your site’s layout and ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors. You decide what matters to your users and maintain your site's aesthetic. Google AdSense helps you balance earning with user experience, making it the better way to earn.

Take control of your ads

Shortly after the backlash gained traction online, Roan deleted the tribute and shared a follow-up statement, clarifying that she does not condone Bardot’s views. She described herself as “very disappointed” after learning more about Bardot’s history, acknowledging that she had not been fully aware of that part of the actress’s legacy at the time of posting.

The moment has sparked wider discussion among fans and commentators about how modern artists navigate references to cultural icons whose reputations have shifted over time. While some praised Roan for listening and responding quickly, others questioned how such figures are still invoked without deeper scrutiny.

As pop culture continues to reassess the legacies of past icons, Roan’s response highlights the increasing expectation for artists to balance aesthetic inspiration with historical awareness, especially in an era where fans are quick to hold public figures accountable in real time.