Channel 4 sparks outrage as viewers 'switch off' over 'barrel-scraping' Brooklyn Beckham documentary: 'Attention-seeking!'

The film featured commentary from experts, content creators and a family lawyer, who analysed the high-profile rift within the Beckham household.

It also included footage from Brooklyn Beckham’s childhood, exploring the pressures of growing up in the public eye and the expectation of forging a career to rival his famous parents.

Several viewers took to X to voice their disapproval, questioning both the subject matter and Channel 4’s decision to broadcast it.

One furious post read: “My god, @Channel4, you’re now showing a documentary about a feud with @victoriabeckham’s family. I switched channels immediately because it has absolutely nothing to do with me, you or anybody outside of their family. Scraping the barrel or what!?!?”

Another viewer criticised the broadcaster for airing the programme in a prime-time slot, writing: “Is there not more going on in this f***ing country that could be aired than @Channel4 putting Beckham: Family at War Untold on at 10.00 pm? Who actually gives a f*** about that? Show us what’s really going on in our f***ing country every day.”

A third comment targeted the family directly, posting: “Beckham: Family at War #CH4. FFS! This attention-seeking family will stop at nothing in the name of their brand. More. KERCHING!” (sic)

Others noted that Channel 4 was not the first broadcaster to commission content on the dispute, with one viewer remarking: “After Channel 5, now Channel 4 do a quickly-made programme about the Beckhams.”

The documentary revisited Brooklyn's upbringing through archive footage and photographs from the height of his parents’ fame, during Sir David's football career and Lady Victoria's time as a Spice Girl.

One particularly uncomfortable segment replayed footage from Victoria's 2007 reality series Victoria Beckham – Coming to America.

In the clip, the fashion designer tells her assistant that her eldest son has had his first kiss, before recalling asking him what kind of girlfriend he wanted.

She said in the programme: “He says, ‘I want someone who looks just like mummy.'"

The film followed Brooklyn’s six-page Instagram statement published on January 19, in which the 26-year-old publicly accused his parents of undermining his marriage to Nicola and prioritising their family brand above his well-being.

In the statement, Brooklyn confirmed for the first time that a serious family rift existed, following years of speculation.

He said he had no desire to reconcile with his parents and alleged that Sir David and Lady Victoria had manipulated press coverage and repeatedly attempted to damage his relationship with his wife.

Among his claims, Brooklyn said Nicola had been excluded from Sir David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

He also stated that he had lived most of his life under his parents’ control and described experiencing intense anxiety that only eased once he distanced himself from them.

The day after the statement was published, Sir David appeared to allude to the situation during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box.

Speaking about social media, the former England captain said: “It can be dangerous, but what I’ve found personally, especially with my kids as well, use it for the right reasons.”

He added that while he had tried to guide his children, mistakes were an inevitable part of growing up.

Brooklyn’s statement also included allegations about his 2022 wedding to Nicola in Florida.

He claimed his mother had taken over the couple’s first dance, dancing with him in a way he described as "inappropriate" in front of guests.

He said the incident left him feeling deeply uncomfortable and humiliated.

DJ Fat Tony, who performed at the three-day celebration, later confirmed on ITV’s This Morning that Nicola had been left in tears following the moment.