Brooklyn Beckham Accuses David and Victoria of Controlling Him: ‘I Have Been Controlled by My Parents for Most of My Life’

The carefully curated image of the Beckham family dynasty appears to be shattering in real-time. Just a few years ago, the Netflix docuseries Beckham painted a picture of a tight-knit clan that weathered storms together, but that narrative is being fiercely challenged by the eldest son.

Brooklyn Beckham has taken to social media to unleash a torrent of accusations against his famous parents, claiming that the “Brand Beckham” machine has manipulated his life and undermined his marriage.

After months of whispering regarding a potential feud between the Beckhams and Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, the 26-year-old decided to break his silence. Taking to his Instagram Story, Brooklyn accused David and Victoria of controlling media narratives to suit their own public image. “I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private,” Brooklyn wrote in a series of lengthy text posts.

He went on to explain that he felt forced to speak out after seeing his parents’ team allegedly plant stories in the press. “Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed,” he stated. The posts mark a definitive break from the family unit, with Brooklyn asserting his independence.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life,” he declared. This statement directly contradicts the optics presented in the 2023 documentary, where David Beckham spoke glowing words about his children’s upbringing. In that series, David claimed they tried to give the kids a normal life, but Brooklyn describes an existence dominated by performance.

“The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into,” Brooklyn revealed. He described a childhood and young adulthood where family love was conditional based on public appearances. According to his posts, the priority was always the brand rather than genuine connection.

“My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first,” he wrote. He alleged that affection was measured by social media engagement and the willingness to pose for photo opportunities. This pressure apparently extended to professional obligations, which he claims were often sacrificed for the sake of a family picture.

The conflict seems to have deep roots surrounding Brooklyn’s 2022 wedding to heiress and actress Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn claims his parents actively tried to ruin the event and have continued to target his relationship. “Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their women facade,” he noted.

He also shared a specific anecdote involving his mother, Victoria Beckham, which he feels highlights the lack of genuine support. “But the one time my wife asked for my mum’s support to save displaced dogs during the L.A. fires, my mum refused,” Brooklyn claimed. These incidents have reportedly led him to distance himself completely from his parents.

Brooklyn described the separation from his family as a necessary step for his mental health. “I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared,” he shared. He concluded his message by emphasizing that he and Nicola simply want peace and privacy, away from the manipulation of his past.

Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest child of the former England football captain and the Spice Girl turned fashion designer, has dabbled in various careers over the years. He initially explored photography, releasing a book titled What I See in 2017, before pivoting to the culinary world. He launched an online show called Cookin’ with Brooklyn, where he prepared dishes for celebrity friends, though he has faced criticism for his lack of professional training.

He married Nicola Peltz in a lavish ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2022. Nicola is an actress best known for her roles in the television series Bates Motel and the film Transformers: Age of Extinction. She recently made her directorial debut with the independent drama Lola, which she also wrote and starred in, released in 2024.

David Beckham has remained a massive figure in sports and culture, currently serving as the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF. His ownership has been highly publicized, especially following the signing of soccer legend Lionel Messi to the club. Victoria Beckham continues to run her eponymous high-end fashion label and beauty line, maintaining her status as a style icon.

The family was the subject of the critically acclaimed docuseries Beckham, which offered an intimate look at David’s football career and his marriage to Victoria. The series was a ratings hit for Netflix and was praised for its candor, though Brooklyn’s recent comments suggest the reality was far less idyllic. The couple shares three other children: Romeo, Cruz, and Harper Seven, who have largely remained out of this specific public conflict.

Tell us in the comments if you believe children of celebrities have a responsibility to maintain the family brand or if Brooklyn is right to burn bridges to protect his mental health.