Sir David and Lady Beckham's son Brooklyn has accused them of putting Brand Beckham first as they built up their global image and business empire. His bombshell statement threatens to derail both their public reputation and their private life.
We've tried to give our children the most normal upbringing as possible, David said in his 2023 Netflix documentary, as Brooklyn was shown checking up on his cooking.
But you've got a dad that was England captain and a mum that was Posh Spice.
David went on to say how proud he was, and so in awe of my children and the way they've turned out - making the point that his family had withstood the pressures of fame.
In hindsight, the clip feels more like a warning about how difficult that is.
And while David's sentiments were surely genuine, viewers might also question how much has been said and done for the benefit of the cameras.
'The non-royal royal family'
That documentary, and the subsequent series about Victoria, were made by the Beckhams' own production company, keeping them in control of the narrative.
This strategic move has helped them maintain a famously protective public image while growing their empire, now worth an estimated £500m.
Victoria has established a career as a fashion designer, while David pursues various business interests.
According to entertainment journalist Caroline Frost, they are considered the non-royal royal family of celebrity culture, with investments spanning over 25 years.
Their documentaries reveal a meticulously curated portrayal of family life, but recent tensions threaten this carefully constructed image.
The biggest threat to the Beckham brand comes from Brooklyn himself, who claimed that family values were secondary to public image and branding.
After months of rumors about a rift, 26-year-old Brooklyn stated his family values public promotion and endorsements above all else, and expressed concerns about their prioritization of brand protection.
His posts included allegations that his parents controlled familial narratives and emphasized inauthentic relationships, leaving fans questioning the true nature of the Beckham household.
Despite having established his own career path—launching a hot sauce brand and authoring a photography book—Brooklyn continues to grapple with living in the shadow of his family's powerful legacy.
The Beckhams remain committed to their carefully crafted narrative, but this family rift poses challenges both personally and professionally.
As the dynamics unfold, it appears Brooklyn’s voice may signal a crack in the facade of one of the world’s most recognizable families.
\\[Image of Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham at Paris Fashion Week\\]
