Brigitte Bardot, 91, shuts down death rumors amid recent hospitalization

Brigitte Bardot is reminding the world she is still alive after rumors of her demise spread following a recent hospitalization.

The French actress, 91, released a statement Wednesday confirming she is not dead after online reports claimed that she died in the South of France.

“I don’t know who is the idiot who put out this fake news tonight about my disappearance, but know that I am doing well and that I don’t have the intention to bow out,” Bardot wrote, via translation, on X Oct. 22.

Rumors of Bardot’s death circulated after Aqababe — a massively popular French influencer who shares celebrity news in his home country — said the actress had died, Daily Mail reported.

“According to my exclusive information, Brigitte Bardot died today,” Aqababe wrote on social media, per Daily Mail.

“Her coffin was ordered in Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat in the 09 (Ariège) department,” he continued. “An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an eternal imprint on the hearts of the French.”

Bardot’s death rumors also came after the film star was recently hospitalized in late September. French newspaper Var-Matin confirmed on Oct. 17 that the pop culture icon had been recovering for weeks at a private hospital in the southeastern city of Toulon, France, after a surgery for a “serious illness,” E! News reported while citing the outlet.

However, a spokesperson for Bardot confirmed to the Daily Mail that she has since returned home “and is now resting.”

Bardot is an actress, model, singer and animal rights activist. She was a fashion icon and sex symbol in the ‘50s and ‘60s thanks to her smoky eyes, “Bardot neckline” and roles in films like “Contempt,” “…And God Created Woman” and “Love on a Pillow” before retiring from acting in 1973. She also released several albums, notably collaborating with Serge Gainsbourg and recording songs like “Harley Davidson,” “Bubble gum” and ”Je t’aime… moi non plus.“

A new documentary about her life and activism, titled simply “Bardot,” was released earlier this year.