Nelson Peltz, the billionaire father of actress Nicola Peltz, has publicly addressed the ongoing feud between his family and the Beckhams for the first time, delivering a scathing statement that urges privacy over publicity. The 83-year-old businessman made his remarks during the Wall Street Journal Invest Live event on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the long-simmering family drama that has captivated media attention for over a year.
Peltz's Blunt Advice on Media Attention
When questioned about the public scrutiny facing his daughter Nicola and her husband Brooklyn Beckham, Nelson Peltz responded with characteristic bluntness. "Has my family been in the press lately? I haven't noticed that at all," he quipped sarcastically before offering his unequivocal advice: "I do. My advice is to stay the hell out of the press. How much good did that do?"
The co-founder of Trian Partners, an alternative investment management fund based in New York, made it clear that while he supports his daughter and son-in-law, he believes the constant media coverage has been detrimental. With an estimated net worth of approximately $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion), Peltz represents the first immediate family member to directly comment on the rift between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, football legend David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.
The Background of the Family Conflict
The public breakdown in relations became undeniable last month when 26-year-old Brooklyn Beckham released a lengthy statement on social media, accusing his parents of controlling behavior and attempting to sabotage his marriage to Nicola Peltz. The couple married in 2022 after a whirlwind romance, but tensions have reportedly been building for years behind the scenes.
In his January 19 Instagram post, Brooklyn wrote: "I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself." He went on to claim that "Brand Beckham comes first" in his family's priorities, with "family 'love'" being measured by social media participation and public appearances.
Financial Dimensions of the Feud
The financial disparity between the two families has added another layer to the conflict. While David and Victoria Beckham are believed to be worth approximately $680 million (£493 million), Nelson Peltz's substantial wealth has reportedly created unexpected dynamics in the relationship.
Recent reports suggest that Peltz provides his 31-year-old daughter with a substantial monthly allowance, rumored to be as high as $100,000 (£735,000). Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, presenter Marina Hyde claimed: "Maybe Nelson Peltz would deny this, but I hear that he said to them that 'I give my daughter a million dollar a month allowance'." This financial arrangement has reportedly upended traditional expectations, with the Beckhams allegedly finding themselves in the unusual position of having their son sign a prenuptial agreement.
Public Manifestations of the Rift
The family conflict has manifested in several public ways over the past year. Brooklyn notably missed several significant family events, including his father David's 50th birthday celebrations. Meanwhile, he has consistently shared photos with his father-in-law Nelson Peltz on social media, including a tribute to Peltz's 83rd birthday last June.
In August, Nelson Peltz officiated a vow renewal ceremony for Brooklyn and Nicola that notably excluded all members of the Beckham family. More recently, Nicola Peltz deleted all traces of her in-laws from her social media accounts, including a post celebrating Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday from 2024.
Peltz's Final Word on the Matter
Despite his willingness to address the media attention, Nelson Peltz made it clear that certain details would remain private. "My daughter and the Beckhams are a whole other story," he stated during the Wall Street Journal event. "That's not for coverage here today, but I'll tell you my daughter's great, my son-in-law Brooklyn is great, and I look forward to them having a long, happy marriage together."
The billionaire's comments represent a significant development in a saga that has seen multiple public statements, social media maneuvers, and celebrity commentary. As both families navigate this very public disagreement, Nelson Peltz's advice to "stay the hell out of the press" may prove challenging to follow given the intense media interest in one of Britain's most famous families and their American counterparts.
