The succession of Brigitte Bardot is at the center of a growing dispute between two sides close to the late actress: her last companion and the management of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential impact on the 13,000 animals protected by the organization.
A decisive appointment is scheduled for November 9 at the office of Morel d’Arleux, Bardot’s notary. François-Xavier Kelidjian, her executor, a representative of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, identified as her universal legatee, and her son Nicolas Charrier are expected to finalize the succession.
The notary’s office considers the completion of the process in less than a year a significant achievement. The estate included Bardot’s properties, lifetime donations, income linked to her image, film rights and investments made in part with the assistance of her former husband, billionaire Gunter Sachs, who died in 2011.
Ghyslaine Calmels Bock, director of the foundation, said the office had been determined to avoid a succession dispute comparable to the one surrounding Alain Delon’s estate. She described the progress made by the notary’s office as a source of pride.
The calm surrounding the notarial process contrasts with the public dispute outside it. The available account describes a fierce media confrontation between Bardot’s former partner and the foundation’s leadership, with critics accusing the latter of erasing the actress’s role and influence.
Sources: Le Figaro.