French movie stars have long fascinated people all over the world, but recent investigations have shown that some of them have controversial ties to far-right politics. This has led to debates about fame, ideology, and cultural legacy.
Brigitte Bardot, the sexy star of 1960s French New Wave movies, went from being a screen siren to a loud far-right provocateur after she retired in 1973. She openly supported anti-immigration views and was fined for inciting racial hatred. In interviews in 2013, Alain Delon, another movie star known for his roles in movies like “Le Samouraï,” said he felt sorry for the far-right National Front (now National Rally) and praised its rise in the polls while calling himself a Gaullist conservative. Gérard Depardieu, who is best known for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” has joined forces with right-wing figures and dictators. This has divided France as he faces legal problems and is defended by far-right voices.
In addition, the National Rally, led by people like Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, has gained support by making issues like crime and immigration more important. This has resonated with some older stars who are unhappy with modern France. Vincent Bolloré, a media mogul, owns right-wing outlets like Fox News that have made these views more common. This has people worried that the culture will change if the far-right gains power. Progressive artists like Omar Sy and Aya Nakamura fight back by calling for people to come together against extremism.
