Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, with whose family Bardot had a long-standing relationship, described her as "incredibly French" after her death. However, this sentiment highlights the divisive nature of Bardot's legacy, particularly concerning her views on the changing demographics of France.

As France's economic prosperity became increasingly reliant on immigrants, many from its former empire and often Muslim, Bardot's public persona shifted. Critics argue that she became a voice for a nostalgic vision of France that excluded its diverse population. This vision, according to some observers, ignored the reality that even during the 1960s, France's economic success depended significantly on immigrant labor.

Bardot's pronouncements on these issues sparked considerable debate within France and internationally. Her views were often seen as reflecting a broader anxiety within some segments of European society about immigration and the preservation of national identity in an increasingly globalized world. The controversy surrounding her statements underscores the ongoing tensions between national pride, cultural identity, and the realities of multiculturalism in contemporary Europe.

While Bardot's cinematic contributions remain significant, her later-life pronouncements have indelibly marked her public image. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in national identity and the challenges of reconciling idealized visions of the past with the realities of the present.