Does David Beckham’s latest Instagram post really deserve this much controversy?

Here’s what’s to know…

david beckham harper beckham
(Image credit: Buzz Foto/REX/Shutterstock)

Here’s what’s to know…

Victoria and David Beckham are two of the most talked-about people in the world, collectively boasting over 75 million Instagram followers. It’s hardly surprising therefore that they are used to their fair share of online backlash, with David coming under fire just this week.

The 43-year-old posted a photo to his Instagram kissing 7-year-old daughter, Harper Seven, on the lips, captioning the festive snap: ‘Christmas is coming. Let’s go skate.’

A photo posted by on

Since its upload, the photo has proved extremely divisive, garnering a lot of attention (over 2 million likes) and - well - a lot of opinions - not all of them good.

‘English culture sucks if this is acceptable,’ posted one Instagram user. ‘She isn't a toddler that's why it's wrong and this leads towards incest’, with most of the debate revolving around whether it’s inappropriate for a father to kiss a daughter on the lips.

Most of the comments however swung in David’s favour, with fans defending the act as a sweet moment between father and daughter.

‘Didn't know a father showing his love for his daughter was wrong!’ Posted one user, while another commented, ‘There is more things wrong in this world than this beautiful innocent post. Let’s share love and not hate.’

A photo posted by on

And aren’t they right? Has parent shaming got so extreme that a sweet and innocent moment between a parent and child has to be analysed and tarnished, turned into an incest accusation.

Honestly. What is the world coming to if parents can’t show affection towards their children?

A photo posted by on

And this isn’t the first time the couple have come under fire for sharing kisses with their youngest, with Victoria facing extreme backlash after she uploaded a photo kissing Harper last year.

Don’t we have bigger things to worry about than a pair of loving parents sharing a sweet and innocent moment with their young daughter?

We want to hear your thoughts.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.