Highlights
- Brooklyn Beckham has appeared to alter a tattoo that previously paid tribute to his father, David Beckham
- The change comes amid a prolonged period of strained relations within the Beckham family
- Brooklyn had earlier asked David and Victoria Beckham to communicate with him only via lawyers
- Legal letters were exchanged, though no formal action was taken
- Despite ongoing hurt, sources say both sides still hope for reconciliation
Brooklyn Beckham has appeared to alter a tattoo that once paid tribute to his father, adding a new symbolic moment to an already strained family relationship. Images published this week suggest the word “dad”, previously inked through an anchor design on his upper arm, has been covered with new shapes, while the accompanying message “Love you Bust” appears less prominent. The change has not been addressed publicly and comes amid a period of limited contact between Brooklyn and his parents.
Relations within the Beckham family deteriorated sharply last summer, reaching a point where Brooklyn Beckham asked his parents to communicate with him only through legal representatives. The request marked one of the most serious moments in an already strained relationship between the eldest Beckham son and his parents.
Sources say the instruction led to an exchange of letters between legal teams at Schillings, representing Brooklyn, and Harbottle & Lewis, who act for David and Victoria Beckham. While no legal proceedings were initiated, the correspondence made clear that Brooklyn did not want direct contact or public references to him from his parents, including on social media.
Why lawyers became the middle ground
The move followed what Brooklyn considered to be a series of hostile briefings about his wife, actor Nicola Peltz Beckham. Among the claims that reportedly upset the couple were suggestions that Brooklyn was being “controlled” or was a “hostage” within the marriage.
Although the letters had no legal standing and amounted to a request rather than a demand, one source said the instruction effectively became the only channel of communication available at the time.
Social media distance and rising tension
The situation may also explain why Brooklyn blocked his parents, along with brothers Romeo and Cruz, on social media shortly before Christmas. Sources suggest the family’s continued engagement with Brooklyn’s posts conflicted with his wish for space.
Friends of the couple say Brooklyn and Nicola found some Instagram posts distressing and would worry about what might appear online overnight. They were said to be seeking calm rather than public commentary.
A family history still unresolved
Brooklyn, 26, married Nicola Peltz, 30, in April 2022. Reports of tensions between the couple and the wider Beckham family emerged shortly afterwards. Issues around the wedding, including expectations over Victoria Beckham designing Nicola’s dress and moments during the ceremony itself, are understood to have contributed to the strain.
Attempts to repair relations followed, but the couple did not attend David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations last summer. In November, Brooklyn also did not publicly acknowledge his father’s knighthood.
Hope for reconciliation on both sides
Despite the distance, sources say neither side has given up on repairing the relationship. Those close to Brooklyn believe a sincere apology is needed before progress can be made. Meanwhile, David and Victoria Beckham are said to want to draw a line under the conflict and rebuild contact with their son.
For now, communication remains limited, but there is still a shared hope that the family can find a way back to one another.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 9 and updated on February 5, 2026, to include recent developments.
