“What’s He Doing?” David Beckham’s Attempts to Kiss His Daughter, 13, Spark Controversy

David Beckham has once again found himself at the center of public debate over how he expresses affection for his daughter, Harper Beckham. The football legend, who has defended himself in the past against criticism for kissing his daughter on the lips, recently made headlines after a playful moment at his Hugo Boss launch party in London.

At the event, Beckham attempted to kiss 13-year-old Harper, but she skillfully dodged his affectionate gesture, choosing instead to offer her cheek. The moment, captured in a widely shared video, has reignited discussions about parental affection and what is deemed appropriate as children grow older.

The Viral Moment: David Beckham and Harper’s Playful Exchange

During the celebration of his new bodywear collection with BOSS at Lightroom in London, David Beckham, 49, was surrounded by his close-knit family. His wife, Victoria, 50, along with their sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 19, attended the event in support of the football icon’s latest venture. But it was Beckham’s interaction with Harper on the dance floor that caught everyone’s attention.

In the viral video, Beckham leans in playfully to give Harper a kiss, but she quickly leans back, avoiding his lips. Laughing, he tries again, but Harper cheekily turns her head, allowing only a peck on her cheek. While many found the moment heartwarming and reflective of their strong father-daughter bond, others were quick to criticize, questioning whether Beckham should still be attempting such gestures now that Harper is a teenager.

A History of Public Scrutiny Over Fatherly Affection

This isn’t the first time Beckham’s affectionate behavior toward Harper has sparked debate. Over the years, he has openly expressed his love for his daughter, often sharing sweet father-daughter moments on social media. However, not everyone has been comfortable with how he shows his affection.

Back in 2017, Beckham posted a photo of himself kissing Harper on the lips while ice-skating. While many fans defended the gesture as a sign of a loving relationship, others accused him of overstepping boundaries. Beckham addressed the controversy directly, stating in an interview:

“I kiss all my kids on the lips. Maybe not Brooklyn—he’s 18 and might find that a bit strange—but I’m very affectionate with them. That’s just how I was raised, and that’s how Victoria and I bring up our children.”

Despite his explanation, the debate has never completely disappeared. Each time Beckham shares a moment of physical affection with Harper, online critics reignite the discussion.

Public Reaction: Divided Opinions on Beckham’s Parenting Style

The most recent video of Harper dodging Beckham’s kiss has once again split public opinion. Some believe it was an innocent moment between a doting father and his teenage daughter, while others feel it’s a sign that Beckham should recognize that Harper is growing up.

Supporters Say It’s Just a Normal Father-Daughter Bond

Many fans argue that the video simply shows a playful exchange between a loving father and daughter. They see no issue with Beckham’s attempts to kiss Harper, emphasizing that the moment was lighthearted and not forced.

“She was laughing and having fun. It’s clear she loves her dad, and they have a great relationship.”

Others believe society has become too critical of normal expressions of parental love, adding that if a mother did the same thing, it wouldn’t be as controversial.

Critics Believe It’s Time for Boundaries

On the other hand, some social media users argue that Beckham should take Harper’s reaction as a sign that she no longer feels comfortable with such displays of affection.

“She’s a teenager now. Maybe it’s time for David to respect that she doesn’t want kisses like that anymore.”

Another comment read:

“You can see she’s trying to dodge him. It’s a bit awkward, to be honest. He should let her set the boundaries.”

The Psychology Behind Kissing Children on the Lips

While this debate may seem like a simple issue of personal parenting styles, psychologists have weighed in on the topic of parental affection, particularly when it comes to kissing children on the lips.

Many experts argue that while it is normal in some families, it’s essential to respect a child’s evolving comfort levels. As children grow older, their understanding of personal space and affection changes. Some might still feel comfortable with kisses, while others might prefer a hug or another form of affection.

Dr. Charlotte Reznick, a child psychologist, previously stated that kissing children on the lips can be confusing as they mature. She explained that while young children may not think much of it, older children might start associating lip kisses with romantic affection, which can lead to mixed emotions.

However, other psychologists argue that a kiss on the lips is simply a sign of love and warmth and that its appropriateness depends on cultural and familial norms.

Cultural Differences in Parental Affection

One aspect that often gets overlooked in this debate is cultural influence. In many European countries, especially in Latin cultures, kissing on the lips between parents and children is not unusual. It is seen as an expression of deep affection, and there is no stigma attached to it.

In contrast, cultures that emphasize personal space and independence from an early age may view such displays as unusual past a certain point in childhood. This cultural divide explains why some people react strongly to Beckham’s actions while others see no issue at all.

Harper’s Reaction: A Natural Sign of Growing Up?

Regardless of where one stands in the debate, one thing is clear—Harper is growing up, and her body language in the video suggests she is developing her own boundaries. Many teenage girls, no matter how close they are to their fathers, become more self-conscious about physical affection in public.

Her reaction in the video was not one of discomfort or distress but rather a playful way of setting boundaries. This is something all parents experience as their children transition from childhood to adolescence.

Final Thoughts: A Moment of Affection or a Sign to Step Back?

David Beckham’s affectionate moments with Harper have been under public scrutiny for years, and this latest video has only reignited the conversation. While some see it as a harmless and loving gesture, others believe it’s time for Beckham to recognize that Harper is now a teenager and may want different boundaries.

At the end of the day, how parents express affection is a deeply personal matter. What’s most important is ensuring that children feel comfortable and respected as they grow. Whether one agrees with Beckham’s actions or not, the discussion highlights the evolving nature of parent-child relationships and the importance of recognizing when kids need space.

What do you think? Should David Beckham take Harper’s reaction as a sign to change his approach, or is this controversy unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comments!