Fierce Dispute Over Brigitte Bardot's Estate: A Battle Between Her Last Companion and Her Animal Welfare Foundation

Behind-the-Scenes Battle Over the Late Star's Legacy

Since the passing of French star Brigitte Bardot on December 28, 2025, a fierce confrontation has erupted between two parties; her last companion and the management of her foundation are engaged in a relentless war over her legacy, amid mounting warnings and concerns that this battle could harm approximately 13,000 animals protected under the care of Bardot and her foundation.

Anticipated Settlement and Closing of the Estate File

In contrast to this tension, upcoming November 9 has been set as the date for a decisive meeting at the office of notary Muriel Darlaud, who is responsible for administering Bardot's estate (1934-2025). The day is scheduled to witness a meeting bringing together François-Xavier Kelidjian, the executor of the will, a representative of the "Brigitte Bardot Foundation" as the sole legatee of the assets, along with the late star's son, Nicolas Charrier, to finalize and permanently close the estate file.

This step marks a significant achievement for the notary's office, which managed in less than a year to complete the audit and real estate valuation of the late star's properties, inventory the gifts granted during her lifetime, and assess revenues associated with her image rights, films, and financial investments made with the assistance of her late billionaire ex-husband Gunter Sachs (1932-2011).

Avoiding a Repeat of the "Delon Estate" Scenario

In this context, Ghyslaine Calmels-Bock, director of the foundation, expressed her pride in the progress of these proceedings, citing the management's pledge not to repeat a crisis similar to the estate dispute of actor Alain Delon, stating: "We pledged that Brigitte Bardot's estate would not be a replay of Delon's estate, and I am very proud that we succeeded in achieving this result."

Despite the calm and organized atmosphere prevailing within the notary's office to bring down the curtain on the legal proceedings, it sharply contrasts with the media war raging in public, which poses grave risks to the very essence of the mission to which Bardot dedicated her life.