The Beckham family drama reached new heights last week when Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, issued a scathing six-page statement severing all ties with his parents. The 26-year-old declared his intention to pursue a new life in the United States with his wife, Nicola Peltz, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions that have been simmering since their lavish 2022 wedding.
New Loyalists Emerge
In the wake of this public family rift, two women have emerged as unexpected pillars of support for the Beckham patriarch and matriarch. Jackie Apostel, girlfriend of youngest son Cruz Beckham, and Kim Turnbull, partner of middle son Romeo Beckham, have positioned themselves as staunch Beckham loyalists, forming a united front with the family against Brooklyn's accusations.
Public Displays of Solidarity
The depth of their commitment was on full display during David and Victoria's first public appearance since Brooklyn's damning claims. Both women stood proudly beside the Beckhams in Paris as Victoria received the prestigious honour of being named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture.
Cruz, 20, was photographed wrapping a protective arm around Jackie as they entered the ceremony, while Romeo, 23, held tightly onto Kim's hand throughout the event. These public displays of affection and solidarity stood in stark contrast to the conspicuous absence of Brooklyn and Nicola, who have increasingly distanced themselves from family gatherings.
Jackie Apostel: The New Protégé
Jackie Apostel, a 30-year-old singer and influencer who began dating Cruz Beckham last summer, has rapidly integrated herself into the Beckham family dynamic. Introduced through mutual managers in a music studio, Jackie has been remarkably open about her admiration for the Beckham clan, frequently expressing her loyalty through social media tributes and public appearances.
Strategic Social Media Support
Following Victoria's Paris honour ceremony, Jackie shared a particularly pointed Instagram tribute that many interpreted as a deliberate contrast to Brooklyn's criticisms. She wrote: 'Congratulations, Victoria Beckham. Your drive, creativity, resilience but most importantly kindness and respect towards anyone around you are some of the many reasons why you deserve this and more.'
Her praise extends beyond Victoria to David Beckham as well. When the former footballer received his knighting in November - an event notably ignored by Brooklyn and Nicola - Jackie posted heartfelt congratulations, describing him as 'deserving and truly GOOD people' achieving their dreams.
Career Benefits and Family Backing
Industry sources suggest Jackie has effectively inherited Nicola Peltz's former position as Victoria's protégé, with the fashion designer taking a special interest in advancing her career. Victoria has reportedly introduced Jackie to top industry figures and helped propel her growing influence, resulting in collaborations with major brands including Dior, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and Victoria Beckham Beauty itself.
Her social media following has nearly doubled since she began dating Cruz, with experts estimating she now commands up to £10,000 per sponsored post. This professional success, closely tied to the Beckham brand, creates powerful incentives for continued loyalty to the family.
Kim Turnbull: Weathering the Storm
Kim Turnbull, a DJ who began dating Romeo Beckham at the end of 2024, found herself unexpectedly at the centre of the family feud. Speculation emerged that Nicola Peltz felt uncomfortable around Kim due to her teenage friendship with Brooklyn, with some reports suggesting this contributed to Brooklyn and Nicola skipping family events including David's 50th birthday celebration.
Denials and Defences
Kim addressed the rumours directly in a lengthy Instagram statement, insisting: 'I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question. Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16.'
Rather than damaging her relationship with the Beckhams, these allegations appeared to strengthen their bond. Cruz Beckham publicly defended Kim against online trolls, while family sources described David and Victoria as 'deeply upsetting' that Kim had been 'thrown to the wolves' as a catalyst for the feud.
Reconciliation and Renewed Loyalty
After briefly splitting from Romeo amid the family tensions, Kim reconciled with him in October 2024. Their reunion was confirmed through public appearances and social media interactions, signalling the Beckhams had chosen Kim over Nicola in the ongoing family conflict.
Like Jackie, Kim demonstrated her continued loyalty during Victoria's Paris honour ceremony, posting her own tribute: 'Congratulations @victoriabeckham. A true inspiration, role model and example to us all. We love you.'
Contrasting Approaches
The emergence of Jackie and Kim as Beckham loyalists highlights the divergent paths taken by the women in Brooklyn's life. While Nicola Peltz has increasingly distanced herself from the Beckham family, Jackie and Kim have embraced their roles within it, attending events, offering public support, and integrating themselves into both the personal and professional aspects of Beckham family life.
Their willingness to publicly align themselves with David and Victoria during this period of family turmoil stands in marked contrast to Brooklyn's decision to sever ties, creating a new dynamic within one of Britain's most famous families as they navigate this very public rift.
