Iconic French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has been hospitalized in France for nearly three weeks following surgery tied to what has been described as a “serious illness.”

According to the French newspaper Var‑Matin , the And God Created Woman actress, now 91, was admitted to a private hospital in Toulon, France, where she underwent surgery.

While those close to her say her condition is “worrying,” they also expect her to be released soon and return to her St. Tropez home.

Her representatives have not yet issued an official comment on the situation.

Brigitte rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s and, since retiring from acting, has devoted much of her life to animal advocacy. She has also been known to share some controversial opinions .

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