Brooklyn vs. the Beckhams: trouble in paradise
Scion of the Beckham clan and billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz staged an elaborate vow renewal – and none of his family were on the guest list
"We've grown up with the Beckhams," said Shane Watson in The Times. We've had "ringside seats for all the major and minor events of their lives" – from David and Victoria's careers to their wedding, to their brood's various birthday parties. On Instagram, we see them messing about, partying, enjoying their apparently idyllic lives.
But there have been rumours of trouble in paradise – and now it seems that the family really is "unravelling". Last week, the couple's eldest son, Brooklyn, and his billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz effectively confirmed that they had severed ties with the Beckhams – by posting pictures of a "vow renewal" party (on Instagram, of course). The event was held at the Peltzes' New York estate. Her father, the financier Nelson, officiated. None of the Beckhams were invited (or were, it seems, even aware of the event).
David and Victoria are said to be "heartbroken", and any parent can see why. This feud has so many compelling themes, said India Block in The London Standard. There's the "ancient paradigm" of "the warring mother and daughter-in-law". Nicola reportedly thinks Victoria is "overbearing": it is said that tensions first surfaced when Nicola refused to wear one of Victoria's dresses at the couple's wedding three years ago. Victoria apparently thinks Nicola is "narcissistic", and calls Brooklyn "the hostage".
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It's also the story of the "ultimate nepo baby", said Megan Lloyd Davies in The Independent. Brooklyn, at 26, has already ticked off "an impressive four careers" (footballer; model; photographer; and chef/hot sauce creator). Is this all a bid to escape his famous parents' shadow?
Another reason we're gripped is because of what it says about "Brand Beckham", said Marina Hyde in The Guardian. For 25 years, the Beckhams have sold the idea that the family always sticks together. They are often seen as "our real royal family": with their working-class backgrounds and refreshing openness, "they seemed a reaction against all that old blood... that public repression of private truth". But with Brooklyn following in the footsteps of Prince Harry, the plotlines now seem to be converging. "Perhaps the House of Windsor and the House of Beckham are not so different after all."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why quitting your job is so difficult in JapanUnder the Radar Reluctance to change job and rise of ‘proxy quitters’ is a reaction to Japan’s ‘rigid’ labour market – but there are signs of change
-
Gavin Newsom and Dr. Oz feud over fraud allegationsIn the Spotlight Newsom called Oz’s behavior ‘baseless and racist’
-
‘Admin night’: the TikTok trend turning paperwork into a partyThe Explainer Grab your friends and make a night of tackling the most boring tasks
-
The Beckhams: the feud dividing BritainIn the Spotlight ‘Civil war’ between the Beckhams and their estranged son ‘resonates’ with families across the country
-
6 homes with incredible balconiesFeature Featuring a graceful terrace above the trees in Utah and a posh wraparound in New York City
-
The Flower Bearers: a ‘visceral depiction of violence, loss and emotional destruction’The Week Recommends Rachel Eliza Griffiths’ ‘open wound of a memoir’ is also a powerful ‘love story’ and a ‘portrait of sisterhood’
-
Steal: ‘glossy’ Amazon Prime thriller starring Sophie TurnerThe Week Recommends The Game of Thrones alumna dazzles as a ‘disillusioned twentysomething’ whose life takes a dramatic turn during a financial heist
-
Anna Ancher: Painting Light – a ‘moving’ exhibitionThe Week Recommends Dulwich Picture Gallery show celebrates the Danish artist’s ‘virtuosic handling of the shifting Nordic light’
-
H is for Hawk: Claire Foy is ‘terrific’ in tender grief dramaThe Week Recommends Moving adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir
-
Our Town: Michael Sheen stars in ‘beautiful’ Thornton Wilder classicThe Week Recommends Opening show at the Welsh National Theatre promises a ‘bright’ future
-
Music reviews: Zach Bryan, Dry Cleaning, and Madison BeerFeature “With Heaven on Top,” “Secret Love,” and “Locket”