David Beckham defends son Brooklyn after nepotism claims over Burberry campaign

Beckham says his son is a talented photographer

David Beckham, centre, on the front row with Vogue editor Anna Wintour, left, and Brooklyn Beckham, right (Reuters)

David Beckham has defended his teenage son’s appointment as a photographer on a Burberry campaign after criticism from fashion photographers over the decision.

The 17-year-old was announced as a photographer on the fashion house’s fragrance campaign in January. Brooklyn’s appointment was met by an accusation of “sheer nepotism”, but his father insisted his son has proved himself to be a talented photographer.

“We’ve always protected our children,” he told GQ, “but we’ve always been honest with them, as well: There’re going to be things said about you, about us, that aren’t true. Brooklyn is 16 coming on 17, and we know he’s going to make his mistakes—and we know he’ll have opportunities because of us.

“But he’s making opportunities for himself, too. So far we’ve been very lucky that he’s found a passion. Whether people believe it or not, he’s got talent. He’s got a great eye—and proven that in the images he’s taken.”

Chris Floyd, a fashion photographer who has shot high-profile figures such as Stephen Fry, claimed Brooklyn’s employment bucked the “willpower and graft” demonstrated by his parents.

“They represent hard work and then their 16-year-old year son comes along and it’s sheer nepotism,” he told The Guardian. “He hasn’t done it from hard work, which is counter-intuitive to what his parents represent.”