The prefect of the French Reunion island has filed a lawsuit against former movie star Brigitte Bardot over what he deemed as "racist" comments made by the latter.

The lawsuit stated that 84-year-old Bardot, who is also an animal rights activist, had sent a letter to the prefect and local media in which she refers to the island’s residents as “aboriginals who have kept the genes of savages” and a "degenerate population" for the way they treat animals.

"This letter contains terms that are offensive and racist toward the inhabitants of Reunion", prefect Amaury de Saint-Quentin stated.

Bardot's comments triggered widespread outrage, with both France's Minister of Overseas Territories, Annick Girardin, and the president of the lower house of parliament, Richard Ferrand, denouncing what she said.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicated to animal protection, also disavowed Bardot's comments, noting that the letter was a personal initiative that had nothing to do with the institution.