Former Manchester United star David Beckham is facing intense scrutiny following remarks made by his son, Brooklyn Beckham, regarding their family dynamics. On March 25, 2024, Brooklyn took to social media to express frustration over his parents’ alleged interactions with the press, stating, “Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.”
The response to Brooklyn’s comments has sparked a diverse range of opinions, with notable support from John O’Kane, Beckham’s former teammate at Manchester United. O’Kane, who has lived with David Beckham, described him as someone who “likes to be in TOTAL CONTROL and was OBSESSIVE on PERFECTION.” He emphasized that if Brooklyn’s comments led to revealing issues within the family, it should not come at the expense of their well-being, stating, “Brand Beckham should not come before your kids no matter what has happened.”
Brooklyn’s candid remarks come shortly after the release of a Netflix documentary about his father’s life, in which David Beckham discussed his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the documentary, he shared that his condition often compelled him to tidy the family home at night after others had gone to bed. “The fact that when everyone’s in bed I then go around, clean the candles, turn the lights on to the right setting, make sure everywhere is tidy,” he recounted.
Beckham has previously spoken about his OCD, revealing in a 2006 ITV interview that he tries to suppress his compulsions but finds it challenging. He explained, “I’ve got this obsessive compulsive disorder where I have to have everything in a straight line or everything has to be in pairs.” His meticulous nature extends even to his pantry, where he insists that items be perfectly arranged.
The topic of Beckham’s mental health has garnered attention from organizations like OCD-UK, which advocates for greater understanding of the condition. Ahead of the documentary’s release in March 2023, OCD-UK addressed the media’s portrayal of Beckham’s comments, highlighting gaps in the coverage. They noted, “Such reporting perpetuates the myths of OCD and stigmatises the suffering that people go through.”
OCD-UK stressed that true understanding of OCD goes beyond behaviors like cleaning and organizing, encompassing intrusive thoughts and severe disruptions in daily life. Their statement calls for a more nuanced dialogue around the disorder, particularly in light of Beckham’s high-profile status.
As the fallout continues, the Beckham family’s dynamic remains a point of interest not just for fans, but also for those following discussions about mental health and family relationships in the public eye. The mixed reactions to Brooklyn’s revelations reflect broader societal conversations about the pressures faced by celebrity families and the complexities of mental health.
