- David Beckham’s recent affectionate photo with his 12-year-old daughter Harper has sparked widespread debate online.
- The controversy surrounding the soccer legend follows 5 other incidents where celebrities received backlash for their parenting choices.
In the age of social media, every post can quickly become a topic of public scrutiny. Thus, celebrities often find themselves at the center of heated discussions about what is considered acceptable behavior as a parent.
From David Beckham and other stars’ questionable public displays of affection towards their children to kisses that have led to concerns about safety and underwater smooches deemed “weird,” each of these celebrity incidents has ignited fierce debates and polarized opinions.
David Beckham with his daughter Harper at the Burberry “London in Los Angeles” event on April 16, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Hilary Duff’s Disneyland Kiss with Her Son
In 2016, actress Hilary Duff turned to Instagram to share a heartfelt moment with her son. The post featured a photo of Duff giving her son, Luca, a peck on the lips while they enjoyed a day at Disneyland.
“Happiest happiest happiest happiest happiest happiest happiest happiest place on earth! We love you @disneyland 
,” Duff captioned the photo.
The seemingly innocent picture quickly became a point of contention, with many online users criticizing the affectionate gesture. “Causing PAIN, and possible infection, to an infant for no purpose other than fashion IS child abuse,” one person commented in part.
Duff was also called “disgusting” by some commenters who found the kiss inappropriate. “I can’t see this pic the same no more,” another social media user typed while a third simply stated, “Sick.”
Reflecting on the incident, Duff shared, “I’ve seen stuff on the internet a couple of years back when we were at Disneyland and I posted a picture of Luca and me kissing on the lips. People were like, ‘That’s disgusting.’”
In response to the mom-shaming, Duff stood her ground, stating, “For anyone commenting that a kiss on the lips with my four-year-old is ‘inappropriate’ go ahead and click a quick unfollow with your warped minds and judgment.”
Duff emphasized the importance of considering other people’s perspectives and advised people to focus on themselves rather than on external judgments. The actress mentioned that people often have extreme opinions and suggested it’s best to ignore them and find humor in the situation.
The American singer also shared that she has faced criticism for giving her six-year-old son piggyback rides. Nevertheless, she stressed the significance of making decisions that are best for one’s own family.
Gabrielle Union’s Newborn Kissing Clip
In December 2018, actress Gabrielle Union shared a touching moment with her newborn daughter on Instagram. The clip showed Union kissing her infant daughter on the mouth, accompanied by the caption, “Kissing Game. She’s got my on a string. @kaaviajames 
.”
However, the post quickly garnered backlash from some social media users. Critics were quick to express their disapproval, with comments such as “That’s not a right.”
Another social media user shared, “Dats how u make babies sick their immune system ain’t built that strong. That’s cute but let’s b real (sic).” Despite the negative reactions, many fans came to Union’s defense.
Supportive comments included, “Kiss her every day, show that mommy love, she came out of your business, so it’s your business where you kiss her!” Another person typed, “You keep showing that love mommy 
.”
Union later addressed the criticism in a follow-up Instagram post. The actress wrote in part, “Hey guys, I appreciate all the concern about kisses on the mouth and labored breathing. I am blessed enough to have a nurse here with us while at work.”
“Kaav is healthy and I don’t even touch her without washing and sanitizing myself and everything and everyone that comes into contact with her. If you think I waited this long and went thru all this to put my baby in harm’s way…you got another thing coming (sic),” Union’s response continued.
David Beckham’s Affection Towards His Daughter
In early June 2024, David Beckham was photographed sharing a tender moment with his daughter, Harper Beckham, while attending an Inter Miami match against St. Louis in Fort Lauderdale.
As the club co-owner, Beckham seemed hopeful that having his youngest child by his side would bring good fortune to the team. Despite their efforts, the game ended in a draw.
Soccer legend Lionel Messi made MLS history by becoming the fastest player to achieve 25 goal contributions in a season. However, it wasn’t the outcome of the match that captured the attention of online users.
Instead, it was Beckham’s affectionate display towards his daughter. In the photos, Harper was seen standing in her father’s embrace as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
David and Harper Beckham during the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season soccer match between Inter Miami CF and St. Louis CITY SC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in June 1, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
This sparked a heated debate online, with some users criticizing the former soccer star’s actions. One commenter wrote in part, “As sweet and innocent as it may be, it’s no longer appropriate anymore. Harper looks like a young woman now. Like empty nest syndrome.”
Another added, “I find that picture a bit cringeworthy. Yes, put an arm on her shoulder, but that picture’s definitely OTT for me.” A third critic stated, “Cringeworthy pictures for goodness sake. She looks about 18. […] It looks totally inappropriate.”
David and Harper Beckham during the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season soccer match between Inter Miami CF and St. Louis CITY SC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in June 1, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, many people came to Beckham’s defense, praising him for being a loving and expressive father. One supportive fan commented, “She’s very lucky to have such a loving father who’s not afraid to express his love towards her.” Their comment continued:
“My father has never hugged me, complimented me, or shown any real interest in my life, and this has had an immense impact on my self-esteem, especially when I was a young woman. I’ve always envied women with loving fathers; to me, that’s one of the biggest blessings a girl can have.”
Harper and David Beckham at the Victoria Beckham FW23 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 3, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Another supporter said, “He’s a loving dad. Nice to see kids that are genuinely adored.” A third added, “She is 12 years old and a daddy’s girl. My father resented me from the day I was born and made no effort to hide the fact. So good to see their lovely interaction.”
This recent controversy follows an Instagram post that Beckham shared in April 2024. The black and white photo featured the former soccer player and his daughter, who appeared to be sitting on her father’s lap.
“My little girl is growing up 
MY boys get ready @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham 
@victoriabeckham good job mama 
,” the caption read.
The caption seemed to rub some social media users the wrong way, with one person commenting, “She is only 12 years old, only a child, so let her enjoy her childhood […].” Another user shared, “What a horrible thing to say, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
This isn’t the first time Beckham’s affectionate gestures have sparked controversy. In 2011, a photo of him kissing his then-five-year-old daughter on the lips during a beach outing led to a debate about boundaries in parenting.
Beckham defended his actions, explaining that he is “very affectionate” with his children because that’s how he was raised. Despite receiving mixed reactions, many fans supported him, with one stating, “A father having a bond with his child is nothing less than beautiful.”