Davos, Switzerland – January 20, 2026 — Sir David Beckham addressed the escalating public fallout from his eldest son Brooklyn’s explosive Instagram statement for the first time today, offering measured comments on parenting, social media, and the inevitability of youthful errors during an appearance at the World Economic Forum.

The 50-year-old former England captain and global icon spoke on CNBC’s financial program Squawk Box amid discussions about the dual nature of social platforms—their power for good and the risks they pose, particularly to young people. While he did not name Brooklyn directly or reference the specific allegations leveled against him and wife Victoria Beckham, his remarks appeared to respond indirectly to the 26-year-old’s lengthy, six-part Instagram Stories posted the previous day.

“I’ve always spoken about social media and the power of social media, for the good and for the bad,” Beckham said. “The bad we’ve talked about—what kids can access these days, it can be dangerous. But what I have found personally, especially with my kids as well, [is to] use it for the right reasons. I’ve been able to use my platform for my following, for UNICEF.”

He continued by turning to his own family experiences: “And I have tried to do the same with my children, to educate them. They make mistakes, 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.”

The comments landed less than 24 hours after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham unleashed a detailed public denunciation of his parents, declaring he had “no choice but to speak for myself” after years of silence. In the emotional posts, Brooklyn accused David and Victoria of controlling family narratives through the press, prioritizing “Brand Beckham” over genuine relationships, and repeatedly attempting to undermine his marriage to actress Nicola Peltz Beckham. He claimed specific incidents, including his mother’s last-minute withdrawal from designing Nicola’s wedding gown in 2022 and interference during their wedding ceremony, where Victoria allegedly “hijacked” their first dance.

Brooklyn emphasized that he was “standing up for myself for the first time in my life” and explicitly stated, “I do not want to reconcile with my family.” He rejected suggestions that Nicola influenced his decision, insisting he acted independently after enduring what he described as performative family dynamics and inauthentic bonds.

The statement ignited widespread media coverage and social media debate, with fans divided between sympathy for Brooklyn’s apparent pain and defense of David and Victoria’s long-cultivated image as a united, resilient family. Some supporters praised Brooklyn for breaking free from perceived control, while others viewed the public airing as ungrateful given the privileges tied to his parents’ fame.

Earlier on January 20, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Beckham had dodged a direct question from a Sky News reporter about Brooklyn’s posts. When asked if he had any message for his son or thoughts on family matters being discussed publicly, he smiled politely and walked away without responding.

His later Squawk Box appearance, focused on broader themes of digital responsibility and mental health, provided the closest thing to a public reply so far. By framing the conversation around allowing children—whom he listed as Brooklyn (26), Romeo (23), Cruz (20), and Harper (14)—to err and grow, Beckham positioned himself as a reflective parent rather than an adversary. The approach aligns with his history of advocating for responsible social media use, often citing his UNICEF work as an example of positive platform engagement.

Victoria Beckham has remained silent on the matter publicly, with no statements or social media activity directly addressing the claims. Sources close to the family have described her as deeply hurt by the personal nature of Brooklyn’s accusations, particularly those targeting her role in family events and relationships.

The rift has roots in long-simmering rumors of tension, amplified by Brooklyn’s 2022 wedding to Nicola and subsequent reports of strained interactions. Brooklyn has increasingly used the double-barreled “Peltz Beckham” surname, a symbolic shift that some interpreted as distancing from the Beckham legacy. His recent posts also referenced alleged attempts to limit his professional use of the family name and pressures around public appearances.

Public reaction continues to swirl. Celebrities and commentators have weighed in, with some offering support to Brooklyn and others expressing hope for private reconciliation. The saga underscores the challenges faced by celebrity offspring navigating fame, family expectations, and personal autonomy in the digital age.

For now, David Beckham’s response remains measured and indirect, emphasizing education, forgiveness for missteps, and the value of learning through experience. Whether this signals an olive branch or simply a deflection from deeper grievances remains unclear. As the story develops, the Beckham family’s carefully managed public image faces one of its most significant tests, with millions watching to see if bridges can be rebuilt or if the divide widens further.