In a dramatic turn of events, Brooklyn Beckham, the 26-year-old eldest child of Sir David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, has broken his silence on the long-rumoured family rift. Posting a candid statement on Instagram on 19 January, he made a series of explosive claims against his parents, alleging years of control and manipulation.
Public Accusations and Family Tensions
Brooklyn Beckham stated that he had remained silent for years, striving to keep family matters private. However, he asserted that his parents and their team have persistently leaked stories to the press, forcing him to speak out. He emphasised that he does not wish to reconcile with his family, declaring, "I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life." This marks a significant departure from the public image of the Beckham family as a united front.
Allegations of Media Manipulation and Wedding Drama
In his statement, Brooklyn detailed specific incidents that have strained relationships. He accused his parents of controlling narratives in the press throughout his life, describing performative social media posts and inauthentic relationships as fixtures of his upbringing. Notably, he claimed that Victoria Beckham cancelled designing his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham's wedding dress at the last minute, forcing an urgent replacement.
Furthermore, he alleged that weeks before the wedding, his parents pressured him to sign away the rights to his name, which would impact his future family. His refusal reportedly led to ongoing tension. Brooklyn also recounted how his mother called him "evil" for seating his grandmother and Nicola's grandmother at their wedding table, and family members told him Nicola was "not blood" and "not family" the night before the ceremony.
Humiliating Incidents and Ongoing Disrespect
Brooklyn described a particularly humiliating moment at his wedding, where his mother hijacked his planned first dance with Nicola. In front of 500 guests, she danced inappropriately with him, leaving him feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed. He and Nicola have since considered renewing their vows to create happier memories.
He also alleged that his family has consistently disrespected Nicola, with Victoria inviting women from his past into their lives to cause discomfort. Despite efforts to mend ties, such as travelling to London for David's birthday, they were reportedly rejected unless it involved public events with cameras. Brooklyn claimed that during a visit to LA, his family refused to see him altogether.
Prioritising Brand Over Family
Brooklyn criticised his family for valuing public promotion and endorsements above all else, stating that "Brand Beckham comes first." He described family love as being measured by social media posts and photo opportunities, even at the expense of professional obligations. In a poignant example, he noted that when Nicola asked for support to save displaced dogs during LA fires, Victoria refused.
Finding Peace and Moving Forward
Contrary to narratives that his wife controls him, Brooklyn asserted that he has been controlled by his parents for most of his life, leading to overwhelming anxiety. Since distancing himself, he has found peace and relief, waking up grateful for his chosen life with Nicola. He expressed a desire for a life free from image, press, and manipulation, seeking only peace, privacy, and happiness for their future family.
Sky News has approached David and Victoria Beckham for comment on these allegations, but no response has been provided at this time. This public statement sheds light on the private struggles within one of the world's most famous families, highlighting issues of control, media manipulation, and familial discord.