Brooklyn Beckham once experienced such intense homesickness for his family that he abandoned his New York photography course after merely one year of study. This past vulnerability stands in stark contrast to his recent explosive allegations that his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, have "controlled" him throughout his entire life.
Educational Departure Driven by Loneliness
At the age of 19, Brooklyn commenced a four-year programme at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City during September 2017. However, following his initial academic year, he chose to defer the course entirely. He returned home to his family in England, citing a compelling internship opportunity with a respected yet unnamed British photographer as the official reason.
Sources speaking to The Mirror in 2018 revealed the deeper emotional catalyst behind his decision. "It sounds as if he was truly homesick and was feeling lonely out there," they disclosed. "He adores his family, in the end it was the lure to come back to them all that swung it – and the prospect of a terrific internship."
Victoria Beckham was reportedly overjoyed by her son's return. The source added, "Victoria is absolutely delighted at the news and couldn't contain herself when it was all coming to plan – to have Brooklyn back under the same roof is a dream come true for her."
Surge in Value for Mocked Photography Book
Brooklyn's initial foray into photography was marked by the release of his book, What I See. The £17 tome, published when he was 18, was widely derided by critics for its out-of-focus photographs and simplistic captions. The collection of 300 images featured blurry snapshots from A-list parties and luxury family holidays.
One particularly criticised image showed only the corners of Brooklyn's shoes as he leaned over the edge of a sixteen-storey building, captioned: "Don't try this at home. My parents were so angry when they saw this. Cool shot though." Another photograph lamented the difficulty of capturing elephants. The book sold only approximately 3,800 copies between June and October 2017 and was largely dismissed as a vanity project, leading Brooklyn to eventually pivot towards a career as an aspiring chef.
In a remarkable turn of events following his public fallout with his parents, the value of What I See has skyrocketed. Copies are now listed on online marketplaces for nearly £300, a dramatic increase from its original price. One eBay seller listed a signed edition for £297.63, noting it was "opened only to be signed" and came with event memorabilia from a limited signing in Los Angeles. Another seller, offering a copy for £85, described it as "a unique addition to any photography enthusiast's collection." The physical book is currently out of stock on major retailers, with only a digital Kindle version available for £8.99.
Explosive Allegations and Family Rift
The context for this renewed interest in Brooklyn's early work is a very public and bitter family dispute. On Monday, the 26-year-old unleashed a series of six stinging posts on Instagram, accusing his superstar parents of controlling behaviour throughout his life. Among the most incendiary claims was an allegation that David and Victoria attempted to "bribe" him into signing away the rights to his own name. Brooklyn asserted that after he refused this proposed deal, his parents have not "treated him the same since."
These accusations have reportedly left Victoria Beckham "devastated," according to sources speaking to the Daily Mail. The public gulf between mother and son has now widened into what appears to be a significant and deeply personal chasm. The feud has taken several sensational turns, with claims and counter-claims emerging rapidly, painting a complex picture of a family in turmoil.
This situation creates a poignant juxtaposition: the young man who once could not bear to be apart from his family is now levelling serious allegations of control and manipulation against them. His journey from a homesick student abandoning his studies to a public figure embroiled in a high-profile family conflict underscores a dramatic personal evolution over the past eight years.
