Brigitte Bardot is shutting down rumors about her death.
The legendary French actress, 91, said she is doing well in an X post on Wednesday, October 22, after a rumor began circulating on social media that she had died.
“I don’t know which idiot started this fake news about my disappearance tonight, but know that I’m fine and I have no intention of bowing out. A word to the wise,” she wrote in French.
Bardot’s post comes just a week after French newspaper Var-Matin reported the actress was recuperating at home in Saint-Tropez, France, after a three-week hospital stay.
The outlet reported that Bardot underwent surgery for a “serious illness” and was in a “worrying condition,” citing unnamed sources.
Bardot’s office later confirmed to Reuters that she was recovering at home after undergoing what the news agency described as a “minor surgery that went well.” The star wished to thank staff and surgeons at the Saint-Jean Private Hospital in Toulon, Reuters reported on Friday, October 17.
An icon of French cinema, Bardot began acting at age 17 and gained international acclaim for her role in 1956’s And God Created Woman, in which she played a sexually liberal character. The actress’ daring roles and modeling work earned her a reputation as a “sex kitten.”
Bardot retired from acting in 1973 at age 39, saying at the time that she wanted “a way to get out elegantly.”
The star went on to found the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, devoting her post-acting life to animal rights and protection.
Bardot was previously hospitalized just over two years ago when she suffered respiratory problems during a July 2023 heat wave. Emergency services arrived at Bardot’s Saint-Tropez home to treat her for difficulty breathing.