The word “Beckxit” has already gone viral. Coined by the Daily Mail, it sums up the very real war of words between super-couple David and Victoria Beckham and their son Brooklyn Beckham and his new bride, actress Nicola Peltz. The family dispute started back in 2022 when Nicola chose to wear a Valentino dress to her wedding. This fashion-forward choice eclipsed Victoria’s very own fashion line. Since then, the rift has further transformed into a political media circus, sensationalizing the collision and attracting equal focus from the public and media.
The initial spark of the feud came during Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding, which was marked by the absence of Victoria Beckham’s designs. This decision opened an intense national competition. It blew up further when the newly engaged couple agreed to a cover shoot with Glamour magazine. Focus was immediately drawn to the lack of cover star Victoria Beckham’s name on the cover, raising questions about when the issue had actually been sent to print. Even observers have called it “the worst thing ever” or “genius,” depending on whether you approve of such public relations tactics.
Media outlets have closely monitored every public appearance and social media post by Brooklyn and Nicola since the feud began. Now that’s constant scrutiny. That’s a testament to the deep fascination with the lives of the so-called “nepo babies”—the children of famous stars and artists. Both Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz come from families with a long history of celebrity. She is the daughter of former Manchester United football club owner and billionaire businessman John Magnier and his former model wife Joe. In the meantime, there was the unparalleled David and Victoria Beckham.
The unrelenting purgatory of tabloid life that scores so many celebrities exists is a reality that David and Victoria Beckham know all too well. The paparazzi followed their every move in full-stop mode—as such, they become ubiquitous. Today, what’s going on with Brooklyn and Nicola seems even more apposite. As media attorney Mark Stephens pointed out, this is a very dangerous precedent for the chilling effect gossip can have. More importantly, he recounted its devastating effect on celebrity relationships in years past. He stated, “Gossip was not victimless.”
With Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary rolling out soon, some of the rumormongering columns argue that this granny war may be overhyped for publicity purposes. The hype surrounding it isn’t quieting anytime soon. The media is all atwitter with glee! Each pair is the offspring of other very famous parents, which only deepens the drama and draws viewers in further.
Brooklyn and Nicola credit their connection to one another as “sometimes gritty, super authentic, real-life love.” This honest acknowledgement cracks open the layers behind their public face. We noted The National Review Julie Klam, author of Meet Me in Stardust In The Stars in Our Eyes, who called the feud a “fun-house mirror.” She thinks it’s a symptom of the society’s own struggles and conflicts.
“If we can get a handle on our relationship to celebrity, we can better understand ourselves.” – Julie Klam
Dr. Kadian Pow, a sociology lecturer, emphasized that celebrity feuds can serve as shared experiences amidst an increasingly isolated society. The PR moves need to be grounded in reality though, she cautioned, suggesting the dark, controlling energy clearly running between Brooklyn and Nicola could be a harbinger of more sinister social dynamics at work.
The passion, controversy and excitement surrounding this celebrity spat wasn’t purely gossipy — it drew on more profound and complex societal undercurrents. Dr. Pow articulated this sentiment when she remarked, “It’s about titillation, and it’s about power [and] the Beckhams.” Furthermore, she pointed out how these tales provide an escape from everyday challenges: “But more widely, these tales are an escape from the doom and political reality [of the news cycle].”
Public perception plays a critical role in how these nepo babies navigate their personal lives under constant media scrutiny. Klam reflected on this notion, stating, “I do think people believe that the kids of celebrities are fair game. I do not. Nepo babies have it worse than normal people because everyone thinks they’ve had everything handed to them.”
The conflict between Brooklyn and Nicola’s desires and their family’s expectations has formed a story arc that has drawn in viewers. Klam remarked on Brooklyn’s decision to step into the limelight: “Now that Brooklyn is choosing to be in the spotlight, well, he is fair game.”
As this saga continues to evolve, it makes us wonder just what the media’s responsibility is in guiding the personal lives of our celebrity friends. The intersection of public interest and private life is still a fine line that both families continue to walk with caution.