A bitter feud has erupted over the care of animals at the late Brigitte Bardot's sanctuary, casting a shadow over the French icon's final wishes and leaving dozens of creatures in a state of uncertainty.
Sanctuary Dispute Leaves Animals in Limbo
Following the death of cinema legend and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot last Sunday at the age of 91, a distressing conflict has emerged at her beloved animal refuge, La Garrigue. The 25-acre property near her main Saint-Tropez home, La Madrague, is now at the centre of a bitter row between her fourth husband, Bernard D'Ormale, 83, and the man she appointed to care for the animals, Eric Gousset, 55.
Mr D'Ormale has made serious allegations, claiming the pets were found 'malnourished and living in filth' under Mr Gousset's stewardship. Mr Gousset, who has managed the encampment for four years, firmly denies any wrongdoing.
Foundation Intervenes Amid Neglect Claims
The situation escalated in late 2025 when reports of animal mistreatment surfaced. This led to a severe deterioration in relations, prompting the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to take decisive action. In November of that year, the foundation removed 30 animals from Mr Gousset's care.
The rescued pets included:
- 15 goats
- Hens and geese
- A pony
- A donkey
A spokesman for the Bardot Foundation confirmed the removals were due to the 'negligence of the caretaker'. However, the fate of the remaining animals is unclear. When questioned about the four dogs, 15 cats, nine sheep, and four pigs still on site, the foundation stated 'nothing has been decided'.
Uncertain Future for Bardot's Beloved Pets
Mr Gousset, who says he is still under contract to work at La Garrigue, claims he is now banned from contacting Mr D'Ormale. He warns that the animals left behind face 'a very uncertain future'. He maintains his innocence, stating, 'We have always acted according to Brigitte's wishes.'
He fondly recalled Ms Bardot's last visit to the sanctuary in August, noting, 'It was her whole life... she knew all the animals' names.' He expressed deep concern for the legacy of the site, adding ominously, 'The way things are going, there won't be anything left.'
The dispute also touches on the actress's final resting place. While she had often expressed a desire to be 'buried with my animals' at La Garrigue, where she built a Mexican-style chapel and interred many pets with names like Sidonie the Goat, a source indicates she is likely to be laid to rest in Saint-Tropez's maritime cemetery following her funeral this Wednesday.
