David Beckham Drags Mark Wahlberg To Court Over Deal That Allegedly Cost Him $10.5M In Profit

David Beckham is suing actor Mark Wahlberg and F45 gym founders, claiming fraudulent conduct over a fitness brand deal that allegedly made him lose $10.5 million [£8.5 million] in profit.

Initially, Beckham teamed up with golfing legend Greg Norman to take legal action against F45, but a judge told them to file separate lawsuits.

The former soccer star's company, David Beckham Ventures Ltd [DBVL], alleges that Wahlberg's firm, Mark Wahlberg Investment Group [MWIG], along with F45 gym group founders Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch, "duped" Beckham into becoming a global ambassador for F45 in 2020.

According to The Sun, DB Ventures Ltd claims that shares in F45 were promised to Beckham's firm early in 2022 as part of a deal. However, Beckham suffered substantial financial losses when the promised stocks were not delivered until after their value plummeted from around $12 to $3 per share. His legal team claims this delay cost him up to $10.5 million [£8.5 million] in potential profit.

In response, Wahlberg and his co-defendants refute the "fraudulent conduct" allegations and seek dismissal of the lawsuit, arguing that DB Ventures Ltd is deflecting responsibility, noting that "The 209-page, 610-paragraph SAC [complaint] tries to make up with length what it lacks in merit."

Per the DailyMail, Beckham's firm previously requested damages from F45 totaling as much as $18.85 million [£15.2 million]. However, the new lawsuit demands damages directly from Mark Wahlberg's Mark Wahlberg Investment Group and the creators of F45, Rob Deutsch and Adam Gilchrist.

Initially, Beckham joined forces with golfing icon Greg Norman, who also had grievances against F45. However, a judge ruled that Beckham and Norman had to pursue their legal actions separately.

Beckham and Wahlberg became friends when the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to join Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy.

In November 2020, Beckham agreed to become the global ambassador for Australian brand F45, evident in glossy photographs showcasing him working out with branded equipment at one of their fitness centers. Beckham also promoted F45 on his Instagram to his millions of followers, although these posts have since been deleted.

Beckham and Wahlberg's friendship allegedly soured after the legal dispute over the fitness brand deal.

Amid the ongoing legal battle, Beckham reportedly surprised his wife, Victoria, with a getaway trip to the South of France for her 50th birthday.

The couple traveled via private jet to the French Riviera, where they were chauffeured to a renowned restaurant, believed to be La Colombe d'Or in Saint-Paul de Vence.

Their four children and Victoria's parents, Jackie and Tony, joined them for the luxurious outing. After an indulgent afternoon of fine dining and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, the family returned to Luton Airport.

According to a source who spoke to The Sun, "[Beckham] chose somewhere incredibly remote" for his wife's celebration.

"The restaurant regularly hosts A-list celebrities during the Cannes film festival so none of the Riviera locals bat an eyelid when they see a celebrity," the tipster added. "Victoria had an amazing fine wine-fuelled afternoon, soaking up the rays al fresco, overlooking the Med, and enjoying her favorite white fish."

Crafted by renowned chef Paul Roux, the menu at La Colombe d'Or boasts a delectable basket of crisp crudités and an assortment of renowned starters, including grilled peppers in olive oil, caramelized onions, stuffed baby vegetables, baked Provençal tomatoes, beans, anchovies, and eggplants.

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his "beautiful wife," Beckham shared a video set to the Bee Gees classic "More Than A Woman," the montage showcased moments from Victoria's life, including touching clips of their children.

In the caption, the adoring husband wrote: "Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife… As you head into this birthday you should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished, achieved & what you have built, Posh Spice, businesswoman & of course marrying an England captain."

"But your biggest success is your children, you guide them, love them & teach them… They love you beyond words, we all love you so much," Beckham continued, adding, "Have a special day you deserve it all."