Bernard d'Ormale Accused of Stashing Brigitte Bardot’s Belongings Before Her Death

A dispute over Brigitte Bardot’s estate has taken a fresh turn, with a source claiming that her widower, Bernard d’Ormale, was recorded removing personal belongings from the couple’s home. The items reportedly included gold coins, jewellery, a guitar and Bardot’s Mini Moke car. The allegation was reported by French broadcaster BFM TV, which cited a source close to the case. According to that account, security cameras at La Madrague, the Mediterranean villa the couple shared in Saint-Tropez, captured d’Ormale carrying bags of keepsakes. A former friend of Bardot was quoted as saying he “stashed everything he could get his hands on.” D’Ormale has rejected the suggestion that he acted improperly. He told BFM TV he was putting the objects away for safekeeping, and questioned whether Bardot would have spent decades with someone she considered a thief or a liar. He also described himself as a guardian of her memory, saying it was painful to see her possessions dispersed. Bardot, the French screen icon who appeared in 45 films and recorded dozens of songs, died in December aged 91. Reports say her will left d’Ormale nothing, despite the couple having lived together for decades. She reportedly left a note accusing him of having worn her down over the course of their long relationship. The estate row has also involved the sale of Bardot’s possessions and d’Ormale’s departure from La Madrague. He has said he was devastated to be forced out after living there for 35 years. He has also voiced anger at losing his role as president of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal charity associated with his late wife. D’Ormale previously said he had told Bardot he did not want anything from her estate and had refused gifts to avoid claims that he had taken advantage. The latest claims about the belongings remain allegations, while d’Ormale says his actions were intended to protect them.