French Cinema

Brigitte Bardot’s Death: Reactions to a Screen Legend’s Controversial Legacy

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and singer, has died at the age of 91. Rising to international fame in the 1950s, Bardot was renowned for her roles in films such as “And God Created Woman,” and was considered a symbol of freedom. However, in her later years, Bardot retired from acting and became an animal rights activist and outspoken figure in far-right politics, which led to numerous convictions for inciting racial hatred. Her legacy remains complex, as she is remembered both as a cultural icon and a controversial figure.

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Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault; 18-Month Suspended Sentence Sparks Outrage

A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film *Les Volets Verts*, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence and a substantial fine. Depardieu, who denied the allegations and plans to appeal, was also ordered to be registered in the national sex offender database. The victims, who worked behind the scenes, testified that Depardieu used vulgar language and physically assaulted them, highlighting a pattern of behavior enabled by his fame and influence within the French film industry. This verdict is considered a significant step forward for France’s #MeToo movement.

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