David Beckham Speaks Out on His Kids’ Social Media “Mistakes” After Son Brooklyn’s Instagram Allegations

David Beckham is addressing the “mistakes” that can be made on social media following revealing Instagram Stories posted by his son Brooklyn Beckham on Monday. In the posts, Brooklyn accused his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, of controlling “narratives in the press about our family” and “trying endlessly to ruin my relationship” with his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, among other claims.

On Tuesday, Beckham appeared on CNBC’s financial program Squawk Box and discussed the power — and potential dangers — of social media. “I’ve always spoke about social media and the power of social media, for the good and for the bad,” the Inter Miami CF owner said. “The bad, we’ve talked about, what kids can access these days and it can be dangerous. But what I’ve found personally, especially with my kids as well, use it for the right reasons.”

Beckham added that he has used his platform to support UNICEF. “It’s been the biggest tool to make people aware of what’s going on around the world for children, and I’ve tried to do the same,” he said.

Without naming any of his children directly, Beckham mentioned his kids as examples. He and Victoria share four children: sons Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and daughter Harper Seven.

“I’ve tried to do the same with my children, to educate them. They make mistakes. Children are allowed to make mistakes. That’s how they learn. So, that’s what I try to teach my kids,” the former professional footballer continued. “You have to sometimes let them make those mistakes.”

Beckham’s comments come after Brooklyn’s lengthy Instagram Stories, which confirmed a family rift after months of speculation.

“I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private,” Brooklyn wrote. “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. I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

He continued, “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into. Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.”

Brooklyn also alleged that his mother “hijacked my first dance with my wife” and “danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone,” making him feel “uncomfortable” and “humiliated.”

“My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first,” he wrote. “Family ‘love’ is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations. We’ve gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show ‘our perfect family.’ But the one time my wife asked for my mum’s support to save displaced dogs during the L.A. fires, my mum refused.”

He then denied rumors that his wife controls him. “The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life. I grew up with overwhelming anxiety,” he wrote. “For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared.”