David Beckham has addressed the recent public fallout with his eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, following Brooklyn's explosive Instagram post criticizing his parents. The former football star spoke on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on January 20, 2026, where he touched on social media and mental health in the wake of Brooklyn's statement.
While not directly addressing the specifics of Brooklyn's accusations, David commented that his children have "made mistakes" on social media. He emphasized the importance of allowing children to learn from their errors, stating, "But children are allowed to make mistakes. That is how they learn. That is what I try to teach my kids. You sometimes have to let them make those mistakes as well".
Brooklyn's Instagram post, shared on January 19, 2026, accused David and Victoria Beckham of attempting to sabotage his relationship with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, and of spreading "countless lies". He claimed his parents have always prioritized publicity and their brand, alleging that they controlled the media narrative surrounding the family. Brooklyn also stated that he "does not want to reconcile with my family".
The post contained several specific allegations. Brooklyn claimed that Victoria cancelled the production of Nicola's wedding dress shortly before the ceremony and "stole" the first dance at the wedding, causing him "extreme humiliation". He also addressed his absence from his father's 50th birthday party in May 2025, stating that he was denied a meeting unless Nicola was excluded. Brooklyn further claimed that his parents pressured him to sign a contract surrendering rights to his name before his marriage.
These claims have been met with public scrutiny, with some criticizing Brooklyn for airing family matters publicly, especially considering his privileged background. Some have pointed out that his fame is ultimately derived from his family. Others have speculated about the influence of Nicola Peltz Beckham on Brooklyn's views.
David Beckham's recent comments at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, marked his first public appearance since Brooklyn's statement. Prior to his remarks on CNBC, he dodged questions about his son, offered a smile, but did not comment on the situation.
The Beckham family has long been known for its strong brand and public image. Brooklyn's statement and David's response highlight the complexities of family dynamics playing out in the public eye. Brooklyn, who has explored various career paths including modeling, photography, and cooking, has often found himself under public scrutiny. His allegations suggest a deep rift within the family, while David's response indicates a desire to focus on learning and growth, even amidst challenging circumstances.
