David Beckham sends heartfelt message to Brooklyn as he pulls out of Met Gala amid feud

David Beckham has marked his 50th birthday with a quiet trip to the Scottish Highlands, joined by his sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, but he has also publicly acknowledged the absence of his eldest son, Brooklyn.

The former England footballer shared a series of photographs on Instagram documenting a fishing and camping holiday with his two younger sons, revealing that the trip had been in the works for several months. The visit, which included preparing freshly caught scallops, blue lobster, and crab, appeared to focus on simplicity, family time, and the outdoors.

“Six months ago planned a trip with my boys at the start of last week to camp and fish for my 50th,” Beckham wrote in one caption. “Was so much fun.”






David said that he missed Brooklyn
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Instagram/ @davidbeckham)

In another post, Beckham added: “You were missed Brooklyn,” tagging his 26-year-old son above a lakeside photo featuring himself with Romeo and Cruz.

Brooklyn, who lives in the United States with his wife Nicola Peltz, did not attend the trip or Beckham’s birthday celebrations in London over the weekend, which included a high-profile party attended by close friends and figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment and fashion.

His absence comes amid persistent reports of tension between the couple and parts of the Beckham family, though neither side has addressed those claims publicly.






Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham and David Beckham on a boat together.


The proud dad enjoyed a fishing trip with his two youngest sons
(
Instagram/ @davidbeckham)

Beckham also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Scottish stay, including a candid image of Romeo resting inside a bothy – a basic shelter traditionally used by hikers – and footage of the group cooking together. “Dinner for three,” one caption read. “Fresh scallops, blue lobster and crabs all caught a few hours before this.”

While the trip was a departure from the more glamorous celebrations the Beckham family is often associated with, it reflected a more personal milestone for the footballer, who wrote humorously alongside a photo resting in the woods: “Dad’s almost 50 in this shot. I needed a little rest.”

Brooklyn and Nicola have not commented on their absence from the trip or celebrations, and Beckham did not elaborate beyond his brief note. The family’s public posts haven’t pointed at any further drama, but the acknowledgment of Brooklyn’s absence stands out in an otherwise celebratory series of messages around Beckham’s birthday.






Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz


David and Victoria are said to feuding with Brooklyn and Nicola
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Dave Benett/Getty Images for Experience Abu Dhabi)

It comes as Brooklyn and Nicola have quietly withdrawn from tonight’s Met Gala amid ongoing family tensions, it’s been reported. It was thought that they could be among the guests on the red carpet the event in the US.

It’s however now been claimed that Brooklyn and Nicola cancelled their appearance over the weekend, with the couple instead opting to remain in the UK. The decision to stay in London is said to have originally been tied to his father David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

David, now 50, was joined by family and friends at a star-studded party on Saturday evening. Brooklyn and Nicola however are thought to have been absent, with them said to have also missed other celebrations for David’s birthday. It comes amid rumours of tension within the family.

There was speculation that Brooklyn and his wife would turn up at the annual Met Gala in New York tonight, though there were reports that his family were “always” aware of his apparent plans to attend the fashion event.






Brooklyn and Nicola have pulled out of their Met Gala appearance


Brooklyn and Nicola have pulled out of their Met Gala appearance
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Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Brooklyn and Nicola are no strangers to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – which has the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style for the Met Gala this year – having attended on occasion in previous years. It’s however now been claimed that they have cancelled plans to attend the event this year.

A source told the Sun: “They cancelled plans to attend the Met because they really intended to be at David’s party on Saturday. But Brooklyn is really upset that blame for the rift has been levelled at Nicola. She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive – she’s a loyal wife.”

Rumours of tension within the family have made headlines in recent weeks. There’s thought to have been various ‘snubs’ on social media. It includes parents David and Victoria Beckham, 51, having reportedly not publicly sent well wishes for Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding anniversary last month.

Brooklyn and Nicola are also said to have missed several family gatherings. They appeared to have been absent from celebrations for Victoria’s recent birthday, for example, though her youngest son Cruz Beckham, 20, also didn’t feature in photos shared by her of the festivities at the time.






Brooklyn Beckham


Brooklyn is said to be feuding with his family
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Getty Images)

There’s been renewed attention on the family over David’s milestone 50th birthday, which was last week. As previously reported, Brooklyn didn’t publicly acknowledge the occasion after reporting missing some celebrations.

Ahead of a party on Saturday, he had been spotted in the UK, sparking speculation that him and Nicola might attend the gathering. They however are thought to have been absent and didn’t appear in photos shared by guests.

A source told the Mirror recently that there is “distance” between Brooklyn and his parents. The source said: “Brooklyn not turning up was a real blow to David. Brooklyn was close with his dad growing up, but he is married now. His wife Nicola is older and confident in her own right, and so there is distance between Brooklyn and his parents.”

The source went on to tell us: “It has become a problem and not something they can keep private because of the way the family uses social media. Things have escalated in recent months, and there is a very obvious rift that David and Victoria would love to heal.”

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Met Gala’s most iconic moments of all time from feuds, an omelette, baring all and a proposal

The Met Gala is back, set to bring more showstopping and elaborate outfits as celebrities grace the iconic steps – and over the years, there have been a host of memorable moments

Cara Delevingne bared all at the Met Gala in 2022 with a standout message (Image: Getty Images)

Every year on the first Monday of May, A-list celebrities gather for the most prestigious and exclusive event, the Costume Institute Benefit, more commonly known as the Met Gala. Taking place on Monday, May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, all eyes will be on the star-studded attendees who have meticulously planned their captivating and dazzling outfits to grace the iconic steps.

The annual fundraising event is renowned for its glamorous on-theme haute couture fashion, and this year’s dress code is “Tailored for You,” in a nod to the show’s focus on bespoke tailoring and menswear. In the past, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Zendaya, Doja Cat and Madonna have dropped some major fashion statements that have become legendary.

But in addition to the sensational fashion, in arguably one of the world’s most respected events, it has dropped some unforgettable moments. From feuds to baring all, an omelette and even a proposal, the Met Gala and its attendees are nothing short of iconic.

In celebration of this year’s Met Gala, we’ve taken a look back at some of the most talked-about moments…

Flying arrival

Katy Perry at the Met Gala in 2018
Katy Perry at the Met Gala in 2018(Image: Getty Images)

Katy Perry’s custom Versace attire with angel wings was so elaborate in 2018 that she had to arrive at the prestigious event in an open-top car. Before gracing the steps, the popstar was spotted taking the drive-through Manhattan with her wings on full display.

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Baring all

Cara Delevingne at the Met Gala in 2022
Cara Delevingne at the Met Gala in 2022(Image: Getty Images)

Cara Delevingne made a bold statement at the Met Gala 2022, declaring: “The nipple needs to be free,” as she removed her jacket. The Model and actress posed topless, her body covered in glittering gold body paint, putting her unique twist on the Gilded Glamour guidelines.

Cher at the Met Gala in 1974
Cher at the Met Gala in 1974(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Another celebrity who bared all was Cher, who arrived at the Met Gala in a diamond-studded, see-through dress with a feather trim and long pointed nails back in 1974. The Believe singer pushed boundaries with her daring outfit and is often credited with popularising the “illusion dress” in mainstream fashion.

Proposal

2 Chainz and Kesha Ward at the Met Gala in 2018
2 Chainz and Kesha Ward at the Met Gala in 2018(Image: Getty )

In 2018, crowds erupted with applause when rapper 2 Chainz got down on one knee on the iconic steps to propose to his partner, Kesha Ward. The couple tied the knot in August of that year.

Hip flask

Madonna at the Met Gala in 2017
Madonna at the Met Gala in 2017(Image: Getty Images)

Madonna arrived in full camouflage for the Met Gala in 2017, but an accessory that really caught attention was her hip flask – but it wasn’t just a prop. The pop sensation was reportedly spotted sipping the contents of the flask throughout the event. According to Madonna, it contained “summer water”, whatever that means.

Sand storm

Tyla at the Met Gala in 2024
Tyla at the Met Gala in 2024(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)

Last year, South Africa’s music sensation Tyla took the Met Gala by storm on her very first visit as she wore a Balmain dress made from sand in a tribute to the year’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” Tyla turned heads as she sashayed in a strapless gown, crafted from three shades of sand and adorned with micro-crystal studs.

Dreadlocks

Jaden Smith at the Met Gala in 2017
Jaden Smith at the Met Gala in 2017(Image: Getty Images North America)

Fans were left stunned in 2017 when Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith, wore a Louis Vuitton suit while carrying his own dreadlocks on the Met Gala carpet. At the time, he joked: “I couldn’t bring my sister as a date, so I brought my hair.”

The omelette

Rihanna at the Met Gala in 2015
Rihanna at the Met Gala in 2015(Image: Getty Images)

Back at the 2015 Met Gala, themed “China: Through the Looking Glass,” Rihanna turned heads in her sunny yellow attire. The Yellow Empress cape weighed 55 lbs, and the pop icon managed to handle the hefty dress, despite needing assistance on the staircase. But the showstopping outfit didn’t come without the unfortunate comparison to an omelette, thanks to the vibrant hue.

Feuds

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B at the Met Gala in 2018
Nicki Minaj and Cardi B at the Met Gala in 2018(Image: Getty Images)

Lady Gaga and Madonna seemingly ended their public feud during the Met Gala after-party in 2015 as they posed for a cosy snap with Katy Perry.

While Nicki Minaj and Cardi B looked like they put their differences aside during the event in 2018, as a photo captured them in a deep conversation before they shared smiles while dressed to the nines, amid an ongoing feud.

Red feathers

Cardi B at the Met Gala in 2019
Cardi B at the Met Gala in 2019(Image: FilmMagic)

Cardi B returned to the Met Gala in 2019, undeniably ready to drop jaws as she graced the event in an extravagant Thom Brown gown in a nod to the night’s theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” The eye-catching red dress, which took a staggering 2,000 hours to create, was adorned with 30,000 carefully burnt and dyed feathers. Behind the scenes, she had an army of 10 people on hand to help her navigate the Met Gala stairs.

Feline tribute

Jared Leto at the Met Gala in 2023
Jared Leto at the Met Gala in 2023(Image: Getty Images)

Jared Leto grabbed the spotlight at the Met Gala in 2023 when he fully embraced the year’s theme, “In honour of Karl.” In a nod to the legendary fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, Jared arrived dressed as Lagerfeld’s beloved pet cat, Choupette, in a dramatic furry cat costume featuring an oversized cat head.

The actor also turned heads at the 2019 Met Gala, when he quite literally arrived carrying a replica of his own severed head. The eerie look was inspired by Susan Sontag’s famous 1964 essay, Camp: Notes on Fashion.

Jared Leto at the Met Gala in 2019
Jared Leto at the Met Gala in 2019(Image: Getty Images)

Powerful statement

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Met Gala in 2021
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Met Gala in 2021(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

In 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, better known as AOC, delivered a powerful political statement at the Met Gala, with an eye-catching message that read “TAX THE RICH” emblazoned across her Brother Vellies gown. AOC’s ensemble was completed with a matching slogan clutch.

Body of armour

Zendaya at the Met Gala in 2018
Zendaya at the Met Gala in 2018(Image: Getty Images)
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Naomi Campbell sends powerful message to Anna Wintour as she drops out of Met Gala

British supermodel Naomi Campbell has shared a heartfelt message expressing her disappointment at not being able to attend this year’s Met Gala, despite being invited.

Naomi Campbell sends powerful message to Anna Wintour as she drops out of Met Gala(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Naomi Campbell has penned an emotional message to Anna Wintour from afar, as she bows out of this year’s Met Gala for unforeseen reasons. The legendary supermodel, 54, who’s a staple of fashion’s biggest night with 21 appearances under her belt, took to Instagram to share her disappointment at missing the annual style spectacle at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Though absent from the red carpet, Naomi conveyed her appreciation for being included in this year’s highly anticipated event, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style – a celebration of Black fashion and cultural influence.

“Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” she wrote.

Naomi has sent a heartfelt message to Anna Wintour
Naomi has sent a heartfelt message to Anna Wintour(Image: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

“I have to say, what perfect timing for the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.”

Expressing heartfelt gratitude for her invitation, she added: “I was so honored to be invited to tonight’s big event, but regretfully cannot make it.”

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In her tribute, Naomi also honoured the memory of the late André Leon Talley – the flamboyant fashion icon and former Vogue editor-at-large – who was a cornerstone of the Met Gala for decades.

“Even though I’m not there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley,” she said.

Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell will not be attending the Met Gala this year (Image: Getty Images)

“His commanding presence, vision and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight. I can’t wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing. With all my love and admiration.”

Meanwhile, as the fashion elite descend upon the gala, Anna Wintour herself has taken a moment to address one of the Met’s most enduring myths that she personally signs off on every outfit seen on the carpet.

During an interview with Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan, the editor-in-chief was asked: “Is it true that you know in advance what all the guests will be wearing?”

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Letting out a laugh, Anna responded: “No.” She added: “Many call and ask for our advice, so we try and help some of them as best we can. Some, [I have] no idea.”

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‘We need to take a look at ourselves’ – Arsenal stalling at wrong time

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Arsenal know better than most what a difference a week can make.

Seven days ago Renee Slegers’ side were basking in the glow of a remarkable 4-1 away victory over Lyon that sent them to a first Women’s Champions League final in 18 years.

Fast forward to Monday and Arsenal are investigating exactly how they lost 5-2 and 4-2 to Aston Villa and Brighton respectively in back-to-back league games.

While the defeat at Villa Park was unexpected, it was perhaps somewhat understandable.

Slegers made seven changes from the team that beat Lyon, and the result was a shaky and disjointed performance.

Worringly, the side that collapsed against Brighton was similar to the one that conquered one of Europe’s great teams.

“We wanted to bounce back and turn that game around, and the same thing has happened to us again,” Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord told Sky Sports.

“It’s not good enough all round and we need to take a look at ourselves individually and as a team. We can’t let that happen again this weekend.”

While Fran Kirby and Jelena Cankovic both scored stunners for the hosts, Brighton’s third and fourth goals came directly from defensive lapses.

Arsenal have shipped nine goals in their past two WSL games after conceding 14 in their previous 19 outings.

While they forced Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley into 10 saves, they couldn’t recover.

“In the last two WSL games we conceded nine goals in and we said as a team we don’t think it’s acceptable,” Slegers added.

“We of course don’t want this to happen. There are different reasons. The Villa game was different. We came from something else and the goals we conceded were different.

Back-to-back league defeats for the first time since May 2023 begs the question: have Arsenal’s players been distracted by their Champions League achievement?

“Of course it’s intense for the players with where we came from and what’s ahead of us,” said Slegers.

“We have to be in the moment. That is the million dollar question. We have to analyse and I will be working until late tonight and tomorrow.

“We want to try and get the details right and put our finger on what it is and how we want to move forward.”

Foord was more direct when answering the question.

“I don’t think so. That’s in the back of our mind and that is the game we are playing for this season,” she said.

“But we have a job to do before that as well. We could have done that today and we haven’t. Now it comes down to Saturday and our last game to prepare for the Champions League.”

Victory would have wrapped up second place in the WSL, but now it’s up for grabs when Arsenal face third-placed Manchester United on Saturday.

A third straight league defeat for the first time in a decade would see the Gunners slip to third, meaning they would enter next season’s Champions League in the second qualifying round rather than the third.

That’s unless Arsenal beat Barcelona in this season’s final, in which case they would secure a place in next season’s new league phase.

“[We need] a good performance, we need to play well, we need to get that confidence back,” said Foord.

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Man Utd Have ‘Big Responsibility’ To Win Europa League — Amorim

Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players that they have a “big responsibility” to salvage a dismal season by winning the Europa League.

United warmed up for their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao by suffering yet another Premier League defeat at Brentford on Sunday.

Amorim’s side slumped to a 4-3 loss that left them languishing in 15th place and in danger of their worst final position since they were relegated in 1973-74.

United’s winless run in the league extended to six matches as they trailed 4-1 against Brentford before late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo restored a little pride for the lacklustre visitors.

Amorim has suffered 12 defeat in his 24 league games with United, winning just six times.

READ ALSO: Harry Kane Claims First-Ever Trophy As Bayern Munich Win Bundesliga

Manchester United’s Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim looks on during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on April 13, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

But, after their 3-0 first leg win over Bilbao last Thursday, United know they have the chance to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

“I think it’s stressful to lose games. When we’re fighting for a title it’s not stressful,” Amorim said.

“I have no doubts that we are playing better and we are understanding the way we play, even in this context.

“So we have to take all the hits in this moment. We are losing games in the Premier League, but we are fighting for the Europa League so we need to accept that and to think about now Thursday which is the most important game for us.”

Amorim made eight changes at the Gtech Community Stadium in a bid to keep his stars fresh for the Bilbao second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire were among the key players who started on the bench in a clear indication of Amorim’s focus on Europe.

“We, as a club, need to understand in this moment that we have a big responsibility (to win the Europa League). We have to prepare a squad for different competitions,” Amorim said.

“Rotation is good for the players. Everybody is playing, we are preparing more than one game but it’s hard.

“Of course we want to be competitive, we struggled a lot during these 90 minutes. We have to think about the next game and then the Premier League.

“It’s really hard but we are doing the best we can to try to manage the situation and try to risk in some games.”

What could decide the election of the next pope?

In Rome, a conclave elects a new pope for the papacy.

The next pope will be chosen by Cardinals of the Catholic Church in Rome.

Big problems lie ahead for the church and the world political scene, whether a modernizer or a conservative prevails.

What are they then?

And what might the church’s future look like?

Presenter:

Thibault, Folly Bah

Guests:

Gerard O’Connell, author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave that Changed History, is a correspondent for America magazine and a correspondent for the Vatican.

Michel Mondengele, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development’s country director for Sierra Leone and Liberia,