France’s president to skip Brigitte Bardot’s funeral as Le Pen confirms attendance

France’s three-time presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen, is to attend the funeral next week of 1950s and 1960s film star Brigitte Bardot, a member of her team said on Tuesday.

President Emmanuel Macron – who on Sunday hailed Bardot as a “legend” – would however not attend her funeral, a source in his office said.

Bardot, who died aged 91 on Sunday, drew criticism in her later years for her anti-immigration views and for supporting the far-right.

She was several times convicted in court for hate speech, including against Muslims.

The animal welfare advocate backed Le Pen when she ran for president in 2012 and 2017, describing her as a modern “Joan of Arc” who could save the country.

The presidency has offered Bardot’s family to hold a national homage for her but they have not responded, the source in Macron’s office added.