French film star Brigitte Bardot has hit back on social media, denying claims circulating that she has died.

The French actress and sex symbol posted on her X account to dismiss an announcement of her death made by influencer Aqababe in a now-deleted social media post.

Bardot, 91, wrote in a post in French on the social media platform: 'I don't know who the idiot who started this "fake news" about my disappearance but know that I am doing well and I have no plan on taking my bow. A word to the wise.'

Aqababe, whose real name is Aniss Zitouni, claimed in their post that they had 'exclusive information' about the star's supposed death.

The deleted post read: 'Her coffin was ordered in Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat in the 09 (Ariège) department. An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an internal imprint on the hearts of the French.'

The influencer even stood by their claims after Bardot issued her denial on X (formerly known as Twitter), suggesting it is not the former actress who runs her account.

Aqababe wrote: 'I deleted my exclusive tweet about Brigitte Bardot's death. It's not her who manages her Twitter, you'll see when AFP officially announces the death.'

The denial comes after it was reported last week that Bardot had been hospitalised.

The actress underwent a procedure which went well and it was reported she had returned home from hospital and was doing 'well'.

A previous report from a French media outlet claimed the star's condition was 'worrying', but her team has since provided a statement clarifying her condition.

A spokesperson for Brigitte told the Daily Mail: 'Madame Bardot has returned home and is now resting. She's fine.'

The actress thanked staff and the surgical team at the Saint-Jean Private Hospital in Toulon and said she is now resting at home, in a statement provided to French news agency AFP on Friday (via Reuters).

It comes after Bardot suffered respiratory problems due to the heat in 2023, which saw her requiring medical assistance from first responders at her Saint-Tropez home.

The legendary French star's husband Bernard d'Ormale said paramedics, who initially went to the wrong address, gave her oxygen before going to a medical centre for tests.

Last month, the second of Bardot's four husbands, French actor Jacques Charrier, died at his home in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, on the Brittany coast, aged 88.

The former couple share a son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, whose birth Bardot described in her memoir as being incredibly difficult.

After their son's birth in 1960, Charrier was hospitalised for nervous depression. The couple divorced in 1963.

Brigitte started her acting career in the 1950s and achieved international recognition for her scantily-clad performance in Roger Vadim's 1956 movie And God Created Woman.

One of the best-known sex bombs of the sixties, she was famous for portraying sexually liberated women with hedonistic lifestyles.

Her other film credits include Jean-Luc Godard's film Le Mépris and Viva Maria, for which she was nominated for a Bafta award.

As well as acting, Brigitte was a singer and collaborated with musicians including Serge Gainsbourg.

After starring in nearly 50 films and recording more than 60 songs, she retired from showbiz at a young age and has since pursued animal activism.

Metro contacted Brigitte Bardot's representative for comment.

A version of this article was originally published on October 17.

Got a story?

If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

Brigitte Bardot, 91, forced to deny her own death with fiery statement