French right-wing figure Éric Ciotti called for a national tribute to honor film legend Brigitte Bardot, who died Sunday at the age of 91, prompting objections from political opponents on the left. Ciotti, leader of the right-wing UDR party, launched a petition that has garnered more than 23,000 signatures and the backing of some allies on the far right.

Ciotti appealed to President Emmanuel Macron to organize a national send-off for Bardot, stating that France has a duty to honor its "Marianne," referring to the emblem of French liberty whose face Bardot was chosen to represent in the 1960s. Macron hailed Bardot as a "legend of the century" who embodied a life of freedom.

However, Socialist leader Olivier Faure argued that national homages are reserved for "exceptional services to the nation." Faure acknowledged Bardot as an iconic actress but asserted that she "turned her back on republican values."

Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a symbol of French cinema and a global sex symbol. Her films, such as "And God Created Woman," were instrumental in shaping the French New Wave cinema movement. Later in life, Bardot dedicated herself to animal rights activism, often taking controversial stances that drew both praise and criticism.

The debate surrounding a national tribute highlights differing views on Bardot's legacy and what constitutes significant contributions to a nation. National tributes in France are typically reserved for figures who have made substantial contributions to the country's political, cultural, or scientific landscape. The decision to grant such an honor is often a subject of political debate, reflecting the diverse values and perspectives within French society. The controversy also underscores the complex relationship between celebrity, national identity, and political values in the global context.