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| Brigitte Bardot was branded an international sex symbol in her youth Photo: UniFrance |
The actress, who shot to fame in And God Created Woman, directed by Roger Vadim, her husband at the time, spent two decades in the limelight in which she was internationally lauded as a sex symbol.
She retired from acting in the early 70s, however, and became an increasingly outspoken campaigner on animal rights. Her views became increasingly controversial as she became a supporter of France’s far-right Front National, with her outspoken comments on ethnic minorities leading to convictions for racial hatred in her homeland.
She underwent surgery in October and, amid speculation about her health earlier in the month her foundation issued a statement, saying: "In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is currently recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy, and invites everyone to calm down."
We'll be bringing you a full obituary shortly.
