Brooklyn Beckham has deleted an image of himself holding his fiance Nicola Anne Peltz’s neck on Instagram, following condemnation of the image by a domestic violence charity. While it is not clear why the image was removed, IKWRO founder Dianna Nammi has called it “disgusting” and believes Beckham should “apologise openly.”
The original image showed Beckham placing his hand on Peltz’s neck during dinner, as Peltz laughed and put her arm around him.
The pair have posed similarly in the past, as last week Peltz posted an image holding Beckham’s neck in an Instagram she captioned, “I love you more everyday.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nammi said that many victims of domestic violence, forced marriage and honour-based violence had been “strangled by their own family” and killed in a similar manner by their partners.
She continued, “We are talking about real life, even if it's a joke it is disgusting in my opinion. I think it should be banned from Instagram this kind of picture. He is 21 so mature enough to know it is a very serious matter and I think he has to apologise openly and tell people that he made a huge mistake.”
She added that it was sending “a very dangerous message to young people especially”, adding that the Beckham family should also address the situation.
Beckham has not spoken about the deleted image. The Evening Standard has reached out for comment.
Nammi’s organisation, IKWRO Women’s Rights Organisation, is a member of the Women’s Resource Center and aims to protect Middle Eastern and Afghan women from honour-based violence, forced and child marriages, FGM and domestic violence.
Last year, the Office for National Statistics estimated that two women are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales every week. The BBC also reported that in 2018 domestic violence killings in the UK had spiked to a five year high with 173 deaths, compared to 141 the year prior.
For those seeking support regarding domestic violence, Refuge offers a 24/7 national domestic abuse helpline at 0808 2000 247. The government has also compiled a comprehensive list of resources and organisations for victims of domestic violence of all genders here.
