Brigitte Bardot dismisses 'fake news' claiming she had died
Iconic French actress and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, 91, has issued a firm denial to a "fake news" post on social media claiming that she had passed away.
Brigitte Bardot has rubbished a "fake news" report claiming that she had died.
The French actress and sex symbol posted on her X account to dismiss claims made by influencer Aqababe in a now-deleted social media post suggesting she had passed away.
Bardot, 91, wrote in a post in her native language on the social media platform: "I don't know who the idiot who started this 'fake news' about my disappearance but know that I am doing well and I have no plan on taking my bow. A word to the wise."
Aqababe, whose real name is Aniss Zitouni, claimed in their post that they had "exclusive information" about the star's supposed death.
The deleted post read: "Her coffin was ordered in Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat in the 09 (Ariège) department. An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an internal imprint on the hearts of the French."
The influencer even stood by their claims after Bardot issued her denial on X (formerly known as Twitter), suggesting it is not the former actress who runs her account.
Aqababe wrote: "I deleted my exclusive tweet about Brigitte Bardot's death. It's not her who manages her Twitter, you'll see when AFP officially announces the death."
The denial comes after it was reported last week that Bardot had been hospitalised.
She is said to have been admitted to the Saint-Jean private hospital in Toulon last month, according to French media outlet Nice-Matin.
The publication claimed Brigitte has "undergone surgery" at the medical facility, but also reported that she was expected to be released from hospital in a few days.
Bardot is thought to have been at her home in Saint-Tropez when she was taken to hospital.
It is not the only health scare she has experienced in recent years, after she suffered respiratory problems in July 2023 amid searing heat in Saint-Tropez during that summer.
Bardot was attended to by medics at her home in the south of France, after she experienced some breathing difficulties.
Bernard d'Ormale, the actress' husband, told Var-Matin at the time: "It was around 9am when Brigitte had trouble breathing."
He described the health scare as a "respiratory distraction".
He said: "[Her breathing] was stronger than usual but she did not lose consciousness. Let's call it a moment of respiratory distraction."
Brigitte was given oxygen by the medics and they "stayed to watch her" for some time, before they left the star's home.
Bernard - who has been married to the icon since 1992 - shared: "Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer bear the heat. It happens at 88 years old. She must not make useless efforts."
