In a deeply personal and candid revelation, Victoria Beckham spoke out about the excruciating emotional turmoil she endured following allegations surrounding her husband David's purported affair with Rebecca Loos, nearly two decades ago.
The alleged affair with David's former PA was during his tenure with Real Madrid in 2003. Rumours swirled, and Victoria confessed those following months were perhaps the most gruelling of her life.
In an intimate conversation during their Netflix documentary, Beckham which premiered in London on Tuesday, Victoria shared: "It was the hardest period for us. Because it felt like the world was against us.
© Karwai Tang"We were against each other... Up until Madrid sometimes it felt like us against everybody else but we were together, we were connected, we had each other. But in Spain, it felt disjointed." The profound pain from that period was evident, with Victoria admitting that she often felt isolated, even from David. "[It was] the most unhappy I have ever been in my entire life."
Equally reflective, David struggled to find words to depict their crisis in 2003, remembering how they felt like they were "drowning". He confided: "Every time that we woke up we felt there was something else... we both felt at the time that we were not losing each other but drowning."
As the world speculated, David recalled the daily agony: "I felt physically sick every day when I opened my eyes, 'How am I going to do this?'"
© Martin DoyleThe Beckhams' openness in the documentary seemed a testament to their desire for authenticity. They believed they no longer had "anything to prove."
© Shaun BotterillAmid the Madrid ordeal, Victoria had remained in the UK to maintain stability for their sons, Brooklyn and Romeo. This separation exacerbated David’s sense of loneliness and isolation in Spain. He recounted, "I get sold overnight, the next minute I'm in a city, I don't speak the language. More importantly, I didn't have my family."
The couple's resilience, however, shone through. David expressed how vital Victoria was to him, noting that they had to "fight for each other, we needed to fight for our family."
© Karwai TangAs part of their healing process, the family relocated to Madrid, buying a home which Victoria took pride in decorating. Their son, Cruz, was born there, signaling a fresh start. Yet, Victoria admitted moving had its challenges, sharing her reservations and the strain it added to their relationship.
The couple found reprieve when they shifted to Los Angeles, where David played for LA Galaxy. Victoria spoke of the city with affection, describing it as "a place where everything was just so much easier... LA was a great place to live."
However, challenges persisted. Victoria expressed her exasperation when David considered a temporary move to AC Milan, reflecting on the sacrifices she'd made for the sake of their family.
Their journey, with all its highs and lows, culminates in the documentary's finale, depicting the family dancing joyfully in their Oxfordshire home. As they approach their 25th wedding anniversary, Victoria mused: "I feel happy now, I feel really content now," a testament to the couple’s enduring bond amidst life’s storms.
David and Victoria's relationship timeline
© Anthony Harvey1997 – The couple meet in the Manchester United players' lounge – and it is reportedly love at first sight.
1998 – David pops the question on 25 January with a three-carat, marquise-cut sparkler from Boodle and Dunthorpe.
1999 – The duo tie the knot in July, four months after the arrival of their first child, Brooklyn.
2002 – Second son Romeo is born in London on 1 September.
2003 – Allegations of an affair between David and his PA, Rebecca Loos, surface
2005 – Third son Cruz is born on 20 February.
2011 – First daughter, Harper Seven, is born on 10 July.
2017 – Eighteen years after they married, the couple renew their wedding vows in January.
Christian Horner and Anna Wintour among celebrities in attendance at the Beckham premiere last night
Christian Horner and Bluebell Halliwell
© GettyF1 president, Christian Horner stepped out with his step-daughter, Bluebell Halliwell, to support the Beckham clan, whilst his wife, and fellow-former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell was in the US for her appearance on Jimmy Fallon.
Anna Wintour
© Karwai TangFashion icon Anna Wintour was the epitome of chic as she headed out to support fellow fashion mogul, Victoria Beckham last night.
Holly Ramsay
© gettyGordon Ramsay's eldest daughter Holly was pictured at last night's star-studded screening. The Ramsays are increibly close friends with the Beckhams so it's no surprise the blonde beauty headed into London for the occasion.
Alex Scott
© Mike MarslandAlex Scott oozed glamour in her gorgeous chestnut brown gown as she posed for the camera. She then performed a speech ahead of the screening.
Emma Bunton
© Dave BenettOf course no Beckham premier would be complete without fellow Spice Girls in attendance and Emma Bunton looked fabulous as she beamed on the black carpet.
James Corden
© Lia TobyJames Corden was beaming as he headed to central London last night and kept it cool in a dark navy blue and black ensemble.
Jess Glynne
© Lia TobyPopstar Jess Glynne was also amongst the celebrity line up!
Isabela Grutman
© Karwai TangIsabela Grutman, a dear friend of the Beckham family was in attendance with her husband, David Grutman.
