Bardot's emotional letter surfaces

A handwritten letter from Brigitte Bardot to her ex-husband, Bernard d'Ormale, titled Bernard, c’est un échec! has been revealed by Le Figaro. The letter, written in November 2022, expresses her deep emotional pain after 30 years of marriage and includes strong language about her feelings toward d'Ormale.

Content of the letter

In the letter, Bardot wrote that d'Ormale "destroyed me patiently day after day for thirty years." She expressed a profound need for emotional support and companionship that she felt he was unable to provide. She also detailed the emotional and relational needs she believed he failed to meet.

Bardot's death and legal conflict

Brigitte Bardot died on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91, with Bernard d'Ormale by her side. Since her death, d'Ormale and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation have been involved in a legal dispute over the inheritance of Bardot's assets, including the Madrague, a property in France.

Legal challenges and property issues

D'Ormale has challenged the sale of Bardot's personal items and opposed his expulsion from the Madrague. He claimed Bardot would not have approved of these actions. The Foundation's director general, Guyslaine Calmels-Bock, stated that they had to close the Madrague because d'Ormale removed "entire bags" from the property daily.

Foundation's response

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation denied any personal hostility in its actions, stating it was acting "within the strict legal framework." It also criticized what it described as smear campaigns and legal challenges aimed at destabilizing its operations and leadership.