Dave Gardner, a close friend of David Beckham, shared a photo featuring himself, singer Marc Anthony, and Cruz Beckham to celebrate Cruz’s 21st birthday. The image, taken at Cruz’s 2022 baptism in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, highlights the close bond, with both Gardner and Anthony serving as godfathers alongside Cruz’s sister Harper.
Birthday Tribute Sparks Family Feud Speculation
The post coincides with ongoing tensions in the Beckham family, particularly after Brooklyn Beckham’s recent public criticisms. Gardner joined others in wishing Cruz well on his milestone birthday, but Marc Anthony’s inclusion draws attention due to Brooklyn’s prior allegations against him from the 2022 wedding.
Brooklyn’s Wedding Claims
Brooklyn, 26, detailed his grievances in a lengthy Instagram statement last month, accusing his parents of controlling family narratives and undermining his marriage to Nicola Peltz. Central to his account was the wedding reception, where Marc Anthony performed and allegedly called Brooklyn onstage during the planned first dance.
Brooklyn claimed his mother, Victoria, then joined, dancing inappropriately and hijacking the moment. He described feeling deeply uncomfortable and humiliated in front of 500 guests. reports DJ Fat Tony, who worked the event, note that Anthony invited ‘the most beautiful woman in the room’—Victoria—to dance with Brooklyn, instructing him to place his hands on her hips. Nicola reportedly left in tears, with family members following.
Marc Anthony Responds
Marc Anthony addressed the feud recently, calling the Beckham family ‘wonderful’ and noting his long friendship with David and Victoria since before their children were born. As Cruz’s godfather, he expressed closeness to the family but declined further comment, labeling the situation ‘extremely unfortunate’ and insisting the public portrayal ‘is hardly the truth.’
Brooklyn’s Full Statement Highlights Broader Issues
In his Instagram post, Brooklyn outlined years of alleged control, including attempts to make him sign away name rights before the wedding, Victoria canceling Nicola’s dress, and family members deeming Nicola ‘not blood.’ He accused his parents of prioritizing ‘Brand Beckham’ over genuine relationships, inviting past romantic interests to unsettle the couple, and rejecting private meetings.
Brooklyn emphasized newfound peace after distancing himself: ‘I have been silent for years… I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.’ He rejected reconciliation, seeking privacy and happiness.
Recently, Brooklyn promoted his Cloud 23 hot sauce at the 2026 South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach.
