When it comes to the ongoing Beckham family fallout, particularly the growing tension between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria, it’s not difficult to understand both perspectives. That said, if I had to choose a side, I ultimately find myself leaning toward David and Victoria.

There’s no denying that growing up as the child of two intensely image-aware, highly driven public figures could be challenging. Living under constant scrutiny, expectations, and brand consciousness is not something most people would find easy. However, it’s also true that Brooklyn has been afforded extraordinary privilege—financial security, global connections, and opportunities most people could only dream of. At a time when many are struggling to make ends meet, that level of insulation from hardship is significant and should not be dismissed lightly.

With even a modest amount of self-awareness, Brooklyn might recognize that the benefits of his upbringing far outweigh its drawbacks. Rather than publicly criticizing his parents, he could channel his energy into something more meaningful. Complaining about family pressures while reportedly enjoying lavish luxuries alongside his equally privileged wife risks appearing tone-deaf, especially when so many others face real adversity without a fraction of his advantages.

Plenty of so-called “nepo babies” have navigated far more complicated family dynamics without airing grievances so publicly. Consider Rocco Ritchie, for instance. His mother is Madonna—arguably one of the most dominant, unconventional, and outspoken celebrities of all time. Her flamboyant public persona and unapologetic self-expression might be overwhelming for any child. Yet Rocco, who is close in age to Brooklyn, has managed to carve out a credible career as an artist, quietly establishing his own identity without public resentment.

The same can be said for many other celebrity offspring. Lila Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, grew up amid instability and intense media attention, yet she is openly protective of her mother and has taken responsibility for choosing a similar career path. Kate herself reportedly discouraged her from modeling. Lily Collins, Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz, and Dakota Johnson are further examples of children who leveraged their famous lineage without publicly condemning it.

That said, there is one point where Brooklyn’s criticism carries genuine weight: the concept of “Brand Beckham” and the apparent tendency of David and Victoria to integrate their children—especially their youngest—into that brand.

Harper Beckham, just 14 years old, is increasingly visible at high-profile events and across social media. Her parents appear to be guiding her down a path similar to that of Blue Ivy, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who began performing publicly at a very young age. While undoubtedly talented, Blue Ivy was subjected to harsh criticism, something deeply troubling given her age and emotional vulnerability.

The concern here isn’t money—none of these families need it—but rather the premature commodification of childhood. Children should be free to explore who they are away from cameras, expectations, and public judgment. Harper, in particular, is at an age where privacy and peer interaction are crucial for healthy development.

This issue is especially sensitive because Harper is a girl. Girls face disproportionate scrutiny over their appearance, a reality amplified by social media. One would expect Victoria Beckham to be acutely aware of this, given her own experiences. She has spoken openly about the damaging body criticism she endured and the eating disorder it caused—pain she worked hard to conceal for years.

Despite her efforts to instill positive body image values at home, placing Harper in the public eye risks exposing her to the very pressures Victoria herself has described as devastating. Even if Harper isn’t yet active on social media, her image is already circulating online, often without context or consent.

Ultimately, while Brooklyn’s behavior may come across as entitled or immature, his warnings about “Brand Beckham” taking precedence over family connection should not be ignored. His estrangement is deeply sad, and it’s unlikely David or Victoria want history to repeat itself with their youngest child. Harper deserves the space to discover who she is—on her own terms, not as an extension of a global brand.