A private letter written by French actress Brigitte Bardot in 2022 has been leaked, revealing a more nuanced side of her relationship with her fourth husband, Bernard d'Ormale. The letter, published by French newspaper Le Figaro, expresses Bardot's dissatisfaction with their relationship, citing feelings of loneliness and a lack of emotional support.
In the letter, Bardot directly addresses d'Ormale, stating that their marriage was a "pathetic failure." She expresses her desire for quiet moments together, such as sharing a cup of coffee or taking a car ride, and her need for emotional support and comfort. Bardot also accuses d'Ormale of "destroying her with his patience, day after day," despite their 33-year marriage.
Brigitte Bardot and Bernard d'Ormale were married in 1992 in Norway, when Bardot was 58 years old. Their relationship lasted until Bardot's death on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91. During their marriage, Bardot was known for her tumultuous personal life, having been married three times previously to Roger Vadim, Jacques Charrier, and Gunter Sachs.
Despite their long marriage, d'Ormale was not included in Bardot's will, with the majority of her estate going to the foundation she established to defend animal rights, and the remainder to her only child, Nicolas. The couple's disagreements extended beyond the will, with d'Ormale being asked to leave their home, "La Madrague," which he had lived in for over 30 years.
The foundation established by Bardot claimed that she had gifted the home to them in 1992 and had requested that d'Ormale vacate the premises after her death. However, d'Ormale expressed his discontent with the situation, stating that he had lived in the home for 35 years and was forced to leave. The foundation maintained that they were fulfilling Bardot's wishes, and that she had arranged for alternative accommodation for d'Ormale in Paris.
The leaked letter has sparked a reaction from d'Ormale's team, with his lawyer stating that he was deeply affected by the letter's contents and had questions about its authenticity. The lawyer noted that Bardot typically signed her letters with a drawing of a daisy, which was not present on the leaked letter.
The controversy surrounding the letter and the couple's estate has garnered significant attention in France, highlighting the complexities of Bardot's personal life and relationships.
Key points
- Brigitte Bardot's leaked letter reveals her feelings of loneliness and frustration during her 33-year marriage to Bernard d'Ormale.
- The letter, written in 2022, expresses Bardot's disappointment with their relationship and her need for emotional support.
- The controversy surrounding the letter has sparked a reaction from d'Ormale's team, questioning its authenticity and highlighting the complexities of the couple's estate.
