Channel 4 viewers voiced significant discontent on Wednesday evening after tuning into a newly released documentary examining the ongoing feud within the Beckham family. The one-off programme, titled Beckham: Family at War – UNTOLD, placed the family's dynamics under intense scrutiny, following the highly publicised eruption of tensions last week. This was triggered by the release of a damning six-page statement from Brooklyn Beckham.
Viewer Outcry on Social Media
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, audiences were swift to criticise the television channel for dedicating prime-time scheduling to the family's personal disputes, arguing it overshadowed more pressing national issues. One disgruntled viewer penned: 'My god Channel 4, you're now showing a documentary about a feud with Victoria Beckham's family. I switched channels immediately because it has absolutely nothing to do with me, you or anybody outside their family. Scraping the barrel or what!? Leave them alone.'
Another comment echoed this sentiment, stating: 'Is there not more going in this f***ing country, that could be aired than Channel 4 putting new Beckham: Family at War Untold on at Prime Time Evening 22.00pm. Who actually gives a f*** about that? Show us what's really going on in our f***ing country every day.' A third viewer concurred, adding: 'Beckham: Family at War, CH4. FFS! This attention-seeking family will stop at nothing in the name of their brand. More. KERCHING.'
Documentary Content and Family History
The Channel 4 documentary delved into Brooklyn Beckham's upbringing, featuring archival clips and photographs from his childhood alongside his parents during the peak of their fame. David Beckham's illustrious football career and Victoria Beckham's success with the Spice Girls were highlighted as foundational elements of the family's public persona. One particularly awkward segment resurfaced footage from Victoria's 2007 reality series, Victoria Beckham - Come to America, where she recounted Brooklyn stating his desire for a future girlfriend to resemble his mother.
Broader Media Reactions and Analysis
The documentary's release follows a blistering critique from GB News host Nana Akua, who branded Brooklyn Beckham a 'multi-millionaire spoilt brat' and an 'ungrateful little toad'. Akua mocked his complaints about 'first-world problems', particularly focusing on his allegations that his mother, Victoria, danced 'very inappropriately' with him during his wedding to Nicola Peltz, thereby hijacking the couple's planned first dance. Akua emphasised the parents' achievements, stating: 'Basically, Brooklyn, the reason you are in the position to even be looked at by Nicola Peltz is that your parents have made something of themselves.'
Wedding Guest Provides Alternative Perspective
In contrast to Brooklyn's claims, a guest who attended the 2022 Florida wedding has come forward to defend Victoria Beckham. The guest described her dancing as 'a bit wooden but not sleazy', suggesting the inappropriateness stemmed more from Victoria becoming the centre of attention rather than any lewd behaviour. The guest noted: 'It did rather feel like the Beckham show. Marc Anthony had been praising Victoria in between songs, and then you had her go up on the dance floor for this moment. It was a bit much, and Nicola didn’t appear happy.' This account challenges Brooklyn's assertion that the incident necessitated the couple renewing their vows to create happier memories.
The swift production and scheduling of this documentary, alongside a similar programme announced by Channel 5 titled The Beckham Feud, has led some viewers to accuse broadcasters of capitalising on celebrity gossip. The concentrated media focus on the Beckham family's internal strife continues to generate significant public debate, dividing opinions on the relevance of such personal matters in mainstream television programming.
