Brooklyn Beckham’s Anxiety: Why It’s Common Among Celebrity Kids, According to Experts

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham attends the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024.
Credit:

Francois Durand/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert notes Brooklyn Beckham’s ‘lifelong anxiety’ is not unexpected given his life in the public eye.
• He explains that adult children often distance themselves from their parents, indicating a common desire to create their own identities.
• Reflecting on the rift within the Beckham family, Alpert suggests reconciliation is possible, contingent upon privacy and open dialogue.

On January 19, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, 26, made headlines with a social media outburst against his parents, Victoria and David Beckham. He accused them of undermining his marriage to Nicola Peltz Beckham and contributing to his enduring anxiety.

In his post, he expressed, “I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life. I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared. I do not want to reconcile with my family… I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose and have found peace.”

Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author of the forthcoming book Therapy Nation, shared insights with PEOPLE, emphasizing that Brooklyn’s experiences are common among children raised in the spotlight. “Growing up in an environment where they are constantly observed can severely hinder emotional development,” he stated, noting that these children often lack the psychological privacy necessary for a stable sense of self.

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Cloud23 Launch Party on October 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California; Victoria and David Beckham attend the ‘Beckham’ UK Premiere on October 03, 2023 in London, England.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty; Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Alpert elaborated, stating that the pressures of public life can exacerbate identity formation challenges, leaving children hesitant to develop their own sense of self. He pointed out, “Growing pains occur under scrutiny, fostering a persistent fear of disappointing others. Comparisons to successful parents can stifle confidence and independence.”

Despite an insider’s claim that the Beckhams have consistently supported Brooklyn in his pursuits, the young man has struggled to carve out his own path. After briefly playing soccer and transitioning to photography, Brooklyn has explored multiple careers, including modeling, culinary ventures, and recently, launching a hot sauce line.

David Beckham and his son Brooklyn attend Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, California, June 10, 2008.

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty

Reflecting on the experiences of children born into fame, Alpert remarked, “For many celebrity children, their identity is shaped before they have the chance to discover who they truly are, leading to anxiety and a desire to distance themselves from the family narrative.”

He clarified that David, 50, and Victoria, 51, are not to blame for Brooklyn’s struggles, stating, “This doesn’t indicate poor parenting. Supportive parents are often unable to shield their children from the burdens of fame. From infancy, the lack of privacy can frame their entire developmental landscape.”

David and Brooklyn Beckham, when David was a midfielder for Manchester United, in 2002.

Phil Noble – PA Images/PA Images via Getty

As children of celebrity parents transition to adulthood, they often experience a desire to separate from their families, according to Alpert. “Periods of anger, distance, or efforts to redefine themselves are common,” he explained, noting that this process is often aimed at establishing independence rather than rejecting parental ties.

Brooklyn has increasingly leaned on his wife, Nicola, 31, during this tumultuous time. A source remarked that he has found more support from her in the past three years than from his parents throughout his life.

Brooklyn Beckham (L) and his wife US actress Nicola Peltz pose ahead of the presentation of creations by Mugler for the Women Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2024/2025 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 3, 2024.

GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty

Alpert noted that this shift often indicates a reevaluation of loyalty, with a spouse overtaking parents as the primary source of support. While it may seem like control from the outside, it often stems from a need to feel understood.

Regarding potential reconciliation within the Beckham family, sources have indicated that such a resolution is unlikely in the near future. Alpert emphasized that if reconciliation is to occur, it should be approached discreetly. “These situations are inherently fragile and are best resolved out of the public eye. When family conflicts unfold online, it can entrench individuals into positions that complicate resolution,” he said.