French Actress Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91
The Spin
Narrative A
Bardot defined an era as cinema's original sex kitten, capturing the free-living spirit of the Swinging Sixties and becoming a cultural export as valuable as Roquefort cheese. Her rebellious image and provocative style made her an international icon, even if Hollywood vehicles rarely showcased her genuine acting talent. The fragile star eventually found purpose abandoning showbiz for animal welfare, channeling her fame toward protecting creatures.
Narrative B
Bardot swept away cinema's staid portrayal of women and personified sexual liberation, but was ruthlessly marketed as a sex symbol when she wanted serious acting roles. Her legacy became scarred by repeated convictions for inciting racial hatred, homophobic slurs and telling her son she'd have preferred birthing a dog. The troubled icon spent final years as a semi-recluse fighting race-hate allegations in court.