Brigitte Lahaie is a leading figure in French culture, known for her extraordinary journey from the sets of 1970s pornographic films to a respected career in the mainstream media. Her story is that of a woman who has managed to transcend labels and reinvent her image, becoming a media personality renowned for her outspokenness and her expertise on issues of sexuality and human relationships.
The early days: a star of the golden age of adult cinema
Born on 12 October 1955 in Tourcoing as Brigitte Vanmeerhaeghe, Brigitte Lahaie grew up in Alsace and then in Lyon, following her father’s job transfers; he worked as a bank clerk. At the age of 18, she gave up her job as a shoe sales assistant to try her luck in Paris. It was there that she adopted the pseudonym Lahaie and entered the world of erotic cinema, and later pornography, at a time when the genre was experiencing its ‘golden age’ in France. Between 1976 and 1980, she appeared in over a hundred films, working with renowned directors such as Claude Mulot and Jean Rollin. Her films, shot in 35mm, stood out for their often creative scripts and polished aesthetic, a far cry from today’s standardised productions. Brigitte quickly became a true star, her name alone enough to draw audiences into the small, intimate cinemas of the time.
But Brigitte Lahaie is not limited to adult films. From the late 1970s onwards, she appeared in ‘mainstream’ films, notably in Jean Rollin’s fantasy productions, such as Les Raisins de la mort (1978), or in supporting roles for directors such as Henri Verneuil (I comme Icare, 1979) and Jean-Jacques Beneix (Diva, 1980). This ability to navigate between two cinematic worlds is a testament to her charisma and versatility.
A successful career change into the media
In 1980, Brigitte Lahaie brought her career in adult films to an end to devote herself to new projects. She turned her hand to writing with her autobiography *Moi, la scandaleuse* (1987), which earned her an invitation to appear on Bernard Pivot’s cult literary programme *Apostrophes*. She also published erotic novels, such as La femme modèle (1991), and essays on sexuality, including Parlez-nous d’amour (2007), co-written with Father Patrice Gourrier. These works demonstrate her interest in a thoughtful and nuanced approach to relationships and sexuality.
In the 1990s, she ventured into television, presenting programmes on cable channels, before becoming a leading figure in radio. From 2001 to 2016, she presented *Lahaie, l’amour et vous* on RMC, a daily programme in which she answered listeners’ questions about love, relationships and sexuality. Her candour, empathy and in-depth knowledge of these subjects made her a highly popular presenter, attracting a wide audience. After leaving RMC, she joined Sud Radio, where she continues to present a similar programme, broadcast Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm, and shares her advice via podcasts and columns.
A bold media personality
Brigitte Lahaie is not afraid to tackle controversial topics. In 2018, at the height of the #MeToo movement, she co-authored an opinion piece in *Le Monde* criticising certain excesses of the movement, alongside figures such as Catherine Deneuve. During a debate on BFM TV, one of her comments on rape sparked fierce controversy. She later explained that she had been misunderstood, having intended to highlight the complexity of the body’s and mind’s reactions to trauma, without downplaying the gravity of such acts. This episode illustrates her commitment to defending nuanced viewpoints, even at the risk of provoking controversy.
A woman of many talents
Beyond her media career, Brigitte Lahaie is passionate about horse riding, which she practises regularly and even commentated on for RMC during the 2012 London Olympics. She has also been involved in causes such as the right to die with dignity, serving as a member of the ADMD’s honorary committee. In 2020, at the age of 64, she made a symbolic return to the cinema in Une dernière fois, a film directed by Olympe de G., which sensitively explores the themes of desire and the end of life.
Why does Brigitte Lahaie still fascinate people?
If you’d like to find out more about his thoughts on love and sexuality, listen to his programmes on Sud Radio or delve into his books. Brigitte Lahaie continues to captivate, not only because of her story, but also because of her ability to spark discussions on personal matters with intelligence and sensitivity.
Sources: Purepeople, 2019; Wikipedia, 2003; Sud Radio, 2024
