Brigitte Bardot’s Husband Asked to Leave Her Home After Death
- The estate of French screen legend Brigitte Bardot is navigating a period of transition following her death on December 28, 2025, at her home in Saint-Tropez.
- Bardot, who rose to fame as an actress, singer, model, and animal rights activist, passed away at the age of 91 after a battle with cancer.
- Following Bardot’s passing, La Madrague reverted to the ownership of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.
The estate of French screen legend Brigitte Bardot is navigating a period of transition following her death on , at her home in Saint-Tropez. Her widower, Bernard d’Ormale, has recently addressed reports concerning his future residency at La Madrague, the property where he has lived for thirty-three years, according to reports in Paris Match.
Bardot, who rose to fame as an actress, singer, model, and animal rights activist, passed away at the age of 91 after a battle with cancer. She underwent two surgeries for the disease and also suffered from severe back pain in the months leading up to her death. D’Ormale has shared intimate details of her final days, describing quiet routines and a desire for peace. He recounted how Bardot expressed being “fed up” and wanting to “leave,” and how she called him “Pioupiou” – a private nickname – in her final moments.
Following Bardot’s passing, La Madrague reverted to the ownership of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. This has led to questions about d’Ormale’s continued residence. Reports suggested he was asked to leave the property, a claim he vehemently denied in an interview with Paris Match, stating, “These are big lies. Leave me alone and talk to me about nice things.” He previously indicated his intention to remain at La Madrague to maintain it as Bardot had loved it, overseeing renovations and organizing her belongings.
The situation stems from the foundation’s statutes, which prevent it from being used for residential purposes, and to avoid a potential conflict of interest given d’Ormale’s role as an administrator of the foundation. The matter is scheduled to be discussed at a board meeting in Paris on , with d’Ormale expected to attend.
Bardot’s funeral was held on , at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church in Saint-Tropez. Hundreds of people gathered to follow the service on large screens set up in the town. Attendees included Bardot’s son, Nicolas Charrier, and his daughters, as well as numerous public figures. She was subsequently buried at a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Beyond the details of her passing and the immediate aftermath, Bardot’s life was marked by a remarkable career and a complex legacy. She achieved international stardom with the controversial 1956 film “And God Created Woman,” directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, becoming a global sex symbol and starring in dozens of films before stepping away from the entertainment industry in 1973.
In later life, Bardot dedicated herself to animal rights activism, establishing the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. However, her outspoken views also drew criticism, particularly regarding her comments on immigration and social issues. She faced controversy for expressing extremist views concerning Muslims immigrating to France, as well as for her remarks related to the #MeToo movement and the LGBTQ+ community.
D’Ormale has also spoken of the emotional toll of Bardot’s death, describing himself as “assommé” (stunned) during the funeral service and unable to deliver a prepared eulogy. He shared his experience of adjusting to life without her, recounting how he would sometimes instinctively reach for her in bed and the profound sense of emptiness he now feels. He described Bardot’s serene appearance before her burial, noting her lack of wrinkles and peaceful expression, stating she was “magnificent.”
The coming weeks will likely see further developments regarding the future of La Madrague and the administration of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and beyond.
