At a Glance
- Brooklyn Peltz Beckham publicly accused his parents of causing his lifelong anxiety.
- The accusation came in a January 19 post after a public feud with his wife.
- Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert explains the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the mental health challenges faced by celebrity children.
Introduction
On January 19, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, 26, launched a social media tirade against his parents, Victoria and David Beckham, blaming them for his marriage troubles and lifelong anxiety.
The Social Media Tirade
In the post, Brooklyn wrote that he had been controlled by his parents for most of his life and that stepping away from the family had removed his anxiety. He also said he no longer wanted to reconcile.
Psychotherapist’s Perspective
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of Therapy Nation, told News Of Los Angeles that Brooklyn’s anxiety is common among children raised in public. He explained that constant surveillance can disrupt the development of a stable sense of self.
Expert Quote
“When a child is raised in an environment where they are constantly watched, photographed, and fodder for tabloids, it can interfere with the normal process of developing a stable sense of self…they lack psychological privacy,” Alpert said.
Factors Behind the Anxiety
Alpert added that normal mistakes and identity exploration happen under observation, creating a fear of disappointing others. Being compared to highly successful parents can erode confidence and independence.
Family Background and Career Path
Brooklyn’s early life included:
- Soccer with Arsenal’s youth club until age 15 when he quit under pressure.
- Photography studies at a London fine-arts high school, releasing a photo book at 18.
- A year at Parsons School of Design in New York.
- Careers in modeling, cooking, and a recent hot-sauce line launch.
Impact on Relationships
Alpert notes that as celebrity children become adults, they often pull away from parents. He said this separation is usually about establishing independence rather than rejecting the family.
Support from His Wife
Sources told News Of Los Angeles that Nicola Peltz Beckham has been Brooklyn’s unwavering support over the past three years, more so than his parents.
Shift in Loyalty
Alpert explained that a spouse often becomes the primary relationship for these individuals. This shift can appear controlling but is usually about feeling understood.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19, 2023 | Brooklyn posts social media tirade |
| Oct. 10, 2024 | Brooklyn attends Cloud23 Launch Party |
| Oct. 3, 2023 | Victoria and David attend ‘Beckham’ UK Premiere |
| Jun. 10, 2008 | David and Brooklyn attend NBA Finals Game 3 |
Future Reconciliation
Sources say a reconciliation is not expected soon. Alpert stressed that if it occurs, it must happen privately to avoid public complications.
Expert Quote on Reconciliation
“Situations like this are incredibly delicate, and they’re usually best handled away from public view,” Alpert said.
Key Takeaways
- Public scrutiny can lead to long-term anxiety in celebrity children.
- Identity formation often occurs before the individual can discover themselves.
- Support from a spouse can become the main source of stability.
- Reconciliation, if possible, requires privacy and open hearts.
Conclusion
Brooklyn Beckham’s public outburst and the psychotherapist’s analysis underscore the complex mental health dynamics of growing up in the spotlight. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of psychological privacy and supportive relationships for those in the public eye.
