David Beckham Sues His Friend Mark Wahlberg: What Happened & Why Do Fans Strongly Support One of Them?
David Beckham is suing Mark Wahlberg over a business deal that went awry. Social media users have weighed in on the situation with their thoughts, highlighting their support for one over the other.
Soccer icon and businessman David Beckham is taking legal action against his friend, Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg.
Mark Wahlberg spotted out in Sydney, Australia on March 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A news outlet reports that the retired English soccer star's firm, DB Ventures Ltd (DBVL), has claimed that Wahlberg had Beckham work with F45, a fitness center company, under false pretenses.
Mark Wahlberg working out during the opening of F45 Training at Miramar MCAs in San Diego, California on June 11, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
According to the source, Beckham had agreed to become a global ambassador for the company upon moving to Los Angeles, where he developed a friendship with Wahlberg.
In addition to suing Wahlberg, Beckham is seeking legal repercussions against the actor's firm, Mark Wahlberg Investment Group (MWIG). He is also suing the founders of F45, Rob Deutsch and Adam Gilchrist.
The basis for Beckham's suing is rooted in his claim that he has lost over $10 million. He said that he lost this hefty amount as a result of his promised stocks being withheld from him until after a period that saw the share prices plummet.
David Beckham during the Quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In response, Wahlberg and his legal team have dismissed the allegations as baseless claims and are seeking to get the lawsuit dismissed by a judge.
Reports also stipulate that Mark Wahlberg and the rest of the defendants are even going so far as to divert attention back onto Beckham and his firm.
Mark Wahlberg at the adoption event and screening of "Arthur The King" in Los Angeles, California on February 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Their motion asserts that DBVL is essentially failing to take responsibility, looking to place the blame on everyone else but themselves.
Initial attempts to sue saw Beckham try to build a case with retired golfer Greg Norman, who, reportedly, also had an issue with F45. However, a judge then said that the two would have to sue separately.
Greg Norman during the 2024 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia on April 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
People who have heard the news, have expressed their feelings on the matter and pledged their allegiance to the side they're on. By the look of it, the majority have ruled in favor of Wahlberg. "I am team Wahlberg. He is philanthropic and known as a good guy," asserted a fan.
Another person chimed in, "David Beckham is being unfair/unreasonable. I don’t agree with David Beckham's decision to sue, he is being too litigious/aggressive in this situation, he should try to resolve it amicably."
"Markie Mark Is My Winner!! Beckham Needs to Step Off!!" exclaimed a Wahlberg fan. Another wrote, "So dumb. He doesn't need the money. Mark would never do anything like that. David Beckham is bored and jealous."
Mark Wahlberg at the adoption event and screening of "Arthur The King" in Los Angeles, California on February 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone else expressed, "Not sure Beckham is a nice guy…..money changes people…..no matter how rich they are they never have enough." Another stated, "Money's tough…. So let me sue my friends. Lol."
One person who expressed disappointment in both men commented, "Now that's disappointing! Two very capable beings trying to do right by themselves."
When Beckham joined F45, his partnership aimed to "champion the rapid adoption" of the company on a global scale and "play a key role in its brand marketing initiatives to support its continued expansion."
According to the company's website, having already retired from soccer, David Beckham still prioritized his fitness and liked the "accessibility and inclusivity of F45 workouts."
"I've been a fan of the F45 franchise and training model since being introduced by my friend, Mark Wahlberg. Health and fitness have always been a big part of my life and, since my days playing football, I have always found I'm at my best when training as part of a team," disclosed Beckham.
He then went on to promote F45's ethos of having strong communal ties when it comes to helping people reach their fitness goals and achieve results. Beckham then finished his statement by adding, "This partnership is an exciting business venture for me also, and I'm looking forward to the journey with F45."
Although from the sounds of it, Beckham's partnership ties with F45 have been severed, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope for him and Wahlberg to maintain their friendship after their legal case has been settled.