Chappell Roan denounces Brigitte Bardot after far-right controversy

Chappell Roan is walking back her tribute to Brigitte Bardot.

The French actress, who died Dec. 28 at age 91, was name-checked in Roan's 2023 song "Red Wine Supernova." "She was a playboy, Brigitte Bardot," Roan sings in the opening line. "She showed me things I didn't know."

Shortly after the news of Bardot's death was announced, Roan honored the "And God Created Woman" icon on Instagram, writing, "Rest in peace, Ms. Bardot. She was my inspiration for 'Red Wine Supernova.'"

The post received swift backlash from the pop star's fans, who noted Bardot's documented history of racist, sexist and homophobic remarks. "Holy s---, I did not know all the insane s--- Ms. Bardot stood for," Roan posted on Instagram Dec. 29. "Obvs I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn."

In her 2003 book, "A Cry in the Silence," Bardot criticized immigration and what she called the "Islamisation of France." The actress publicly referred to gay people as "fairground freaks," and once called the #MeToo movement "hypocritical, ridiculous and uninteresting."

She was outspoken in her political views and support of far-right politicians, openly backing right-wing candidates such as Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party in France. Additionally, Bardot was convicted five times by the French government for inciting racial hatred, due in part to her inflammatory comments about Muslims.

In contrast, Roan has fiercely championed LGBTQ+ and feminist causes throughout her career and used her Grammy Awards speech to call for livable wages and health insurance for musicians.

Despite her far-right tendencies, Bardot was on record as being anti-President Donald Trump. In 2017, the animal rights activist lashed out at the Trump administration for authorizing the import of Zimbabwean elephant hunting trophies.

"No despot in the world can take responsibility for killing off an age-old species that is part of the world heritage of humanity," Bardot said in a letter to Trump, released through her foundation. It is "a cruel decision backed by Zimbabwe's crazy dictator and it confirms the sick and deadly power you assert over the entire plant and animal kingdom. Your shameful actions confirm the rumors that you are unfit for office."