What happened between Brooklyn and David Beckham? Feud explained as son misses dad's 50th birthday bash

David Beckham rang in his milestone 50th birthday on May 2 with an intimate family dinner and a star‑studded party at Core restaurant in Notting Hill. Despite arriving in London just days before, eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz took off for New York to attend the Met Gala, skipping both the private meal and the public bash, without even sending a birthday message.

Finally, what happened between Brooklyn and David Beckham became impossible to ignore when insiders revealed the 26‑year‑old hadn’t even called to wish his father a happy birthday. Sources trace the rift back to Brooklyn’s 2022 wedding, where tensions flared over Victoria Beckham’s role, and to ongoing disagreements about Nicola’s place in the tight‑knit clan.

Heartbroken by their eldest’s absence, David and Victoria still celebrated with a gourmet menu, a musical performance by son Cruz, and appearances from friends like Tom Cruise and Eva Longoria. In the sections that follow, we’ll unpack the origins of this Beckham birthday feud and spotlight who else raised a glass to the soccer icon’s 50th.

Brooklyn Beckham misses his dad’s 50th amid a lingering feud

When David Beckham turned 50 on May 2, he expected all four of his children by his side. Instead, Brooklyn Beckham—who shares a famously close bond with his dad—was conspicuously absent from both the quiet family dinner and the later celebrity‑packed celebration. Although the couple arrived in London fresh off the Met Gala, they opted to jet back to New York rather than join the festivities, sparking questions about their invite status and priorities.

According to Page Six, David even declined a smaller private gathering with Brooklyn and Nicola, inviting them only to the public event at Core restaurant; the couple chose neither. Insiders tell The Scottish Sun that the feud dates back to Brooklyn’s high‑profile wedding in Palm Beach, when disagreements over Victoria’s involvement left lingering hurt feelings.

The situation worsened when Brooklyn reportedly refused to reach out to his father on the big day—an omission that left David “utterly heartbroken,” sources say. Despite attempts at reconciliation, the lack of a birthday call or message underscored the depth of the family’s divide on this 50th milestone.

Star‑studded celebrations and family reactions

While Brooklyn Beckham sat out, David Beckham’s 50th birthday weekend was anything but low‑key. At the Core restaurant in Notting Hill, the retired soccer legend welcomed a host of A‑listers—Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria with husband José Bastón, Gordon Ramsay with wife Tana, and director Guy Ritchie alongside Jacqui Ainsley all toasted the milestone.

Victoria Beckham shared snaps on Instagram showing an elegant dinner setup, candlelit toasts, and a heartfelt kiss with her husband, yet her caption notably omitted any mention of Brooklyn or Nicola. Their younger children—Romeo, Cruz, and Harper—were joined by partners and extended family, including both sets of grandparents, to create a multi‑generational celebration. Nicola Peltz did post stories from around London during the festivities, drawing fan criticism and pleas for the couple to mend fences.

Online think‑pieces and video essays have since debated whether Brooklyn’s absence was a justified stand or an overreaction to a perceived slight—a debate mirrored in a flurry of social‑media commentary, some comparing the rift to the Sussexes’ royal fallout. Despite the buzz, David maintained that family was his greatest achievement, underscoring the bittersweet note on which his 50th played out.

​

The Beckham birthday feud laid bare that even the most picture‑perfect families have rough edges. As David Beckham reflects on turning 50, the absence of Brooklyn Beckham casts a long shadow over what should have been unfiltered joy. Here’s hoping the next family gathering turns this feud into a mere footnote in their storied history.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.