Football icon Sir David Beckham has broken his silence regarding his son Brooklyn's recent explosive statement, which levelled serious allegations against the family. Speaking at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Beckham addressed the topic of children's social media use and the inevitable 'mistakes' they make.
Beckham's Candid Remarks in Davos
During an interview on CNBC's financial programme Squawk Box, Beckham opened up about the power and perils of social media platforms. He had previously declined to comment when approached by Sky News about the escalating family row, making his Davos appearance a significant moment.
"I have always spoken about social media and the power of social media... For the good and for the bad," Beckham stated. "What kids can access these days, it can be dangerous. But what I have found personally, especially with my kids as well, use it for the right reasons."
The former England captain emphasised his efforts to use his substantial platform for philanthropic work with UNICEF, highlighting how social media can raise global awareness about children's issues. He extended this educational approach to his own children, acknowledging that missteps are part of the learning process.
"They make mistakes, but children are allowed to make mistakes. That is how they learn," Beckham explained. "That is what I try to teach my kids. You sometimes have to let them make those mistakes as well."
Brooklyn's Devastating Allegations
Beckham's comments follow a bombshell six-page statement posted by his eldest son, Brooklyn, on social media. The 26-year-old launched an astonishing attack on his parents, Sir David and Victoria Beckham, accusing them of controlling his entire life and deliberately sabotaging his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz.
Core Accusations in the Statement
- Brooklyn claimed his parents have consistently manipulated press narratives about the family, creating what he described as "performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships."
- He alleged that Victoria Beckham cancelled making Nicola's wedding dress at the last minute, despite the bride's excitement about wearing her mother-in-law's design.
- Brooklyn asserted that his parents attempted to bribe him into signing away the rights to his name before his wedding.
- He described how Victoria allegedly called him "evil" for seating his nanny and Nicola's grandmother at their wedding table.
- Most dramatically, Brooklyn accused his mother of hijacking his first dance with Nicola at their Palm Beach wedding, taking to the stage herself as singer Marc Anthony performed.
Brooklyn wrote emphatically: "I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not Cruz, Romeo, Brooklyn, being controlled, Sir David, Victoria. I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life."
The Aftermath and Personal Impact
In his lengthy statement, Brooklyn revealed that stepping away from his family has brought him unexpected peace. "I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief," he shared. "My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want is peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family."
The public airing of these deeply personal grievances has captivated global media attention, transforming what many perceived as a picture-perfect celebrity family into a tableau of private conflict. Beckham's measured response in Davos, focusing on broader themes of parenting and social media rather than directly addressing Brooklyn's specific allegations, suggests a strategic approach to managing the crisis.
As the Beckham family navigates this very public estrangement, the world watches how one of Britain's most famous dynasties handles internal turmoil while maintaining their carefully cultivated public image. The contrast between Brooklyn's raw, emotional accusations and David Beckham's philosophical reflections on parenting mistakes creates a compelling narrative about family, fame, and the pressures of living in the spotlight.