Brooklyn Beckham, 26, has made headlines again after covering up a tattoo that was once a tribute to his father, David Beckham, in what appears to be the latest development in a highly publicised family dispute. New images show the eldest Beckham son with altered ink on his arm, deepening speculation about his relationship with his famous parents, David and Victoria Beckham.
The tattoo in question previously featured an anchor design with the word “DAD” prominently inked on his right arm. However, recent photos depict this script now obscured by new shapes — reportedly a starfish and life preservers — after Brooklyn underwent laser treatment to remove the original lettering. A source familiar with the situation told British media that he wanted the tribute removed because of the emotional pain he associates with it.
What Happened to the Family Tributes?
The change follows years in which Brooklyn had several pieces of body art honouring his family. In addition to the anchor tattoo for his father, he once had a chest tattoo bearing the words “mama’s boy” in tribute to his mother, Victoria — but that too has been covered up. Aerial views of his upper body in recent public appearances show the original family-dedicated tattoos replaced by more generic or abstract designs. The removal of these tattoos comes against a backdrop of public tension between Brooklyn and his parents. According to reports, the dispute escalated last month when Brooklyn posted a lengthy message on social media outlining serious grievances with David and Victoria Beckham. He accused them of undermining his marriage to his wife, actress Nicola Peltz Beckham, and alleged that family members interfered with his personal life, including at his own wedding. Brooklyn also claimed his parents made decisions that left him anxious and controlling his public image, adding that since distancing himself from the family, his stress and anxiety have lessened.
Symbolism and Public Reactions
In the world of tattoo culture, especially for someone as tattooed as Brooklyn — who is reported to have over 100 pieces — removing or altering a tribute like this is often seen as symbolic. Fans and commentators on social media have interpreted the cover-ups as a significant emotional statement, possibly indicating a desire to sever ties or redefine personal identity away from his parents. One insider told a British tabloid that watching Brooklyn cover family tributes “will sting,” describing the move as “adding salt to the wounds” given how deeply personal tattoos can be. This view suggests that the changes are not just cosmetic but reflect deeper hurt and conflict.
Effects on the Beckham Family Dynamic
The feud has reportedly affected not just David and Victoria but also Brooklyn’s relationships with his siblings. While his parents have largely remained private and have not publicly engaged with the feud, there have been reports that younger family members are closely watching developments — though few details have emerged about their current involvement or stance. Meanwhile, outside observers are drawing contrasts between Brooklyn’s current behaviour and past moments when he proudly displayed his family tributes. Only a few years ago, he publicly showcased these tattoos, highlighting strong bonds with his parents and siblings. The recent cover-ups paint a starkly different picture, fuelling speculation that reconciliation may be difficult.
Wedding and Personal Life Influences
Brooklyn married Nicola Peltz in April 2022, and many of his recent tattoos are dedicated to her. Reports note that about 70 of his tattoos are tributes to his wife, featuring her eyes, name and even their wedding vows. These pieces remain intact, suggesting his personal priorities may have shifted in recent years. The Beckham family has not released an official public statement regarding the tattoo changes or the feud, and both David and Victoria continue to keep their personal lives relatively private despite the ongoing media attention.
