As rumors of an alleged feud within the Beckham family continue to swirl, a family therapist is breaking down the ins and outs of the apparently fractured relationships.
“They are stuck with this public-private conflict,” Dr. Gail Saltz, MD, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and author, exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, May 9. “In most families, you wouldn’t notice who did or didn’t attend a party. But for them, everything is public and dramatic, which inflames private emotions.”
Allegations of an alleged family feud hit a fever pitch earlier this month when Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz were noticeably absent from David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebration.
An insider told Us that Brooklyn, 26, requested a “separate meet-up” with David and mom Victoria Beckham to celebrate his dad’s milestone birthday. The British power couple apparently turned down the offer and, according to the insider, have “thrown in the towel” when it comes to their son and the alleged drama.
Victoria Beckham and Nicola Peltz Rift Is at the Center of Beckham Family Breakdown
The source of the familial tension, according to insiders, is the fractured relationship between Petlz and Victoria. Brooklyn proposed to Peltz in 2020 and the pair married two years later in 2022. Shortly after, speculation swirled around Brooklyn’s mother and wife’s relationship after news broke that Peltz wore a Valentino gown instead of a wedding dress designed by Victoria’s eponymous brand.
“This is typical — a mother-in-law not loving or clicking with the daughter-in-law, and vice versa,” Saltz told Us. “It’s often not about who the individuals are. If you’re a mother who deeply loves your child, it’s painful when someone else becomes the primary person in their life. That pain can feel like jealousy and even dislike, regardless of who the person is.”
She continues: “Similarly, the new spouse can feel that if the mother is holding a primary position, it undermines their new roles. It’s a developmental stage that all new marriages go through.”
Saltz went on to explain to Us that this type of “developmental stage” is one that “all new marriages go through,” though that doesn’t make it any easier to navigate.
David and Victoria Beckham Near Breaking Point With Brooklyn as He and Nicola Request Separate Family Meet-Ups
“It’s not resolved by retreating, making passive-aggressive statements or gaslighting, but by acknowledging your own feelings and not personalizing them,” she added. “Understand that it hurts because it’s a loss, and that’s normal.”
Another alleged source of tension within the Beckham family is the sibling dynamic between brothers Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham – another relatable family rift, according to Saltz.
“A sibling might feel: ‘I was the closest person to him, and now he’s not emotionally or physically available.’ It’s a loss,” she told Us. “These are emotional losses, and the best way to handle them is with kindness to yourself. Recognize your grief and be self-compassionate. Ideally, the son acknowledges it too and reassures his family of their importance while budding a new relationship.”
Saltz explained to Us that in the end, one of the most difficult things for anyone to do in this type of situation is to “extend the olive branch.”
“That’s often the biggest part of reconciliation,” she continued. “These conversations shouldn’t begin with blame. Instead of saying ‘you did,’ say ‘I feel really sad. I miss you. I want us to do better.” That makes it easier to reconnect and feel better together.”
