Brigitte Bardot Racial Hatred

June 3, 2008: Film star and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot was fined for inciting racial hatred. This is the fifth time Bardot has been charged with such an offense.

Fast Facts:

1. Bardot not in court to hear ruling
2. Charges stem from a letter published on her website
3. Letter complained Muslims were "destroying [France] by imposing their ways"
4. Letter referred to the slaughter of animals for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha
5. Fined: $23,345

Bardot Facts:

1. Born: September 28, 1934
2. Age: 73
3. Birthplace: Paris, France
4. Nickname: BeBe
5. Animal rights activist
6. Retired from acting in 1973

The Letter

Bardot wrote in a 2006 letter to French president Nicholas Sarkozy: "I am fed up with being under the thumb of this population which is destroying us, destroying our country and imposing its acts."

Bargot was complaining to the president about Eid al-Adha, a festival that traditionally slaughters sheep. The letter was published by Bardot's foundation.

Background

Bargot has been accused of "inciting racial hatred" on four other occasions since 1997. This time, prosecutors were seeking a two-month suspended prison sentence and a fine but only the fine of $23,345 was imposed by the courts.

Categories