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A surprisingly limited guest list and the absence of longtime friend Hugues Aufray at the January 7, 2026, funeral of French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot in Saint-Tropez has sparked questions about the actress’s relationships within the entertainment industry and a potential pattern of exclusion within French artistic circles. the 96-year-old singer publicly revealed he wasn’t even extended an invitation to the ceremony, a fact he deeply regrets given their shared passion for animal welfare.
A Confidante Left Off the list
Initial reports suggested Aufray may have declined the invitation,but the singer clarified on the Novo19 program We have something new that he was never asked to attend. “I have several songs where I talk about animals and I was not invited to Brigitte Bardot’s funeral.I regret it a lot because I loved her a lot,” he confided, as relayed by leisure TV.This omission is particularly painful,Aufray explained,because he believed he and Bardot shared a deep connection beyond their artistic endeavors.
Beyond Artistic Circles: A Pattern of Exclusion?
Aufray attributes his absence not to a personal slight, but to a broader pattern of being overlooked within the French entertainment landscape. He described the situation as “social” and “political,” suggesting a systemic issue impacting his visibility.”I’m not on the lists. Artists’ relationships with the media are relationships that are entirely predictable as they are inscribed…,” he stated, hinting at a pre-determined hierarchy within the industry.
The singer went further, claiming he feels he is on “blacklists,” impacting his inclusion in not onyl media events but also festivals. This perceived exclusion, he believes, contributed to the intimate nature of Bardot’s funeral, where attendance was limited to a select group of individuals.
A Discreet Farewell and Industry Fractures
The funeral itself was notably understated, with a small number of celebrities in attendance, including Mireille Mathieu, Chico from the Gipsy Kings, and Vincent Niclo. This sparse guest list raised eyebrows, given Bardot’s status as a cultural icon.
However, Chico from the Gipsy Kings offered a viewpoint aligned with Bardot’s famously independent spirit. He told Gala magazine, “Brigitte Bardot woudl surely have said: ‘I don’t care if they are there or not.'” He also noted the loss of many of Bardot’s close friends over the years.
Why did this happen? Hugues Aufray was not invited to Brigitte Bardot’s funeral.Who was involved? The key figures are Hugues Aufray, Brigitte Bardot, and attendees like Mireille Mathieu and chico from the Gipsy Kings.What occurred? Aufray revealed his exclusion, attributing it to broader “social” and “political” factors within the French entertainment industry. How did it end? Bardot’s funeral was a small, private affair, reflecting her independent nature, and aufray’s absence highlighted potential divisions and unspoken hierarchies within the French artistic community. The situation remains a point of discussion regarding inclusivity and recognition within the industry.
