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Brooklyn Beckham breaks silence on family rift
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, has publicly accused his parents of putting their global brand ahead of family values, marking a rare fracture in the carefully managed public image of one of the world's most famous celebrity dynasties.
The accusation
In a social media post that sent shockwaves through entertainment circles, the 26-year-old claimed his parents prioritise "public promotion and endorsements above all else." He wrote: "Brand Beckham comes first. Family 'love' is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it's at the expense of our professional obligations."
Brooklyn also alleged that his parents have controlled media narratives about the family for his entire life, describing their public displays as "performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships."
A curated public image
The Beckhams have long been celebrated for their ability to shape their public persona, a strategy that has helped them build an empire estimated at £500 million. David, a former England football captain, and Victoria, once known as Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, have diversified their brand into fashion, health supplements, and entertainment through their production company, which produced Netflix documentaries about their lives.
Entertainment journalist Caroline Frost described them as "the non-royal royal family of our celebrity culture," noting that the public has been invested in their dynastic branding for over 25 years. However, their carefully curated image has faced scrutiny, particularly during controversies such as David's alleged affairs, leaked emails about his knighthood, and his role as an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Expert reactions
Celebrity crisis PR expert Lauren Beeching acknowledged the strength of the Beckham brand, calling it "commercial architecture" with decades of goodwill and global recognition. However, she warned that the rift with Brooklyn could cause both personal and professional pain, as it contradicts the family's united front.
Tom Bower, author of the 2024 biography The House of Beckham, went further, calling the family "a phoney brand" and arguing that their children have been the victims of their commercial success. "They are a family for a brand, and it's been very successful... but the truth is, they're not a happy family," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
In contrast, journalist Hadley Freeman, who ghostwrote Victoria Beckham's 2006 biography, described the couple as "incredibly sweet and involved with their children." However, she acknowledged the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, noting that famous families often struggle with the disparity between their public image and private reality.
Brooklyn's struggle for independence
Brooklyn has attempted to carve out his own identity, publishing a photography book in 2017 and launching a hot sauce brand in 2024. However, his efforts have been overshadowed by perceptions of him as a "nepo kid," with critics suggesting he has struggled to establish a distinct career outside the Beckham name.
His marriage to Nicola Peltz, daughter of US billionaire Nelson Peltz, has further complicated the family dynamic. As an in-law bearing the Beckham surname, Nicola's public actions now influence the brand in ways David and Victoria may no longer fully control.
What's next for the Beckhams?
David and Victoria have yet to respond directly to Brooklyn's accusations. Given their history of controlling their narrative, experts suggest they are likely to maintain their composure publicly. However, Frost warned that this could be their biggest challenge yet, though their wealth, global following, and diversified business interests make their brand resilient.
"They're too rich to fail. They've got too many followings to fail," she said. "But it's a huge challenge, that's for sure."
