David Beckham, the renowned soccer legend, is taking legal action against actor Mark Wahlberg and business partners over a fitness brand deal that allegedly cost him $10.5 million (€8.5 million) in profit.
According to multiple reports, Beckham's company, David Beckham Ventures Ltd (DBVL), has filed a lawsuit against Mark Wahlberg Investment Group (MWIG), F45 gym group founders Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch, and actor Mark Wahlberg himself. The suit alleges fraudulent conduct in relation to the fitness brand deal.
The controversy began when Beckham agreed to become a global ambassador for F45 in 2020. He was reportedly introduced to the opportunity by his friend Mark Wahlberg, who also has a significant stake in F45 as its chief branding officer and owns over 36% of the company.
However, Beckham's lawsuit claims that he was misled about the potential profits from his involvement with F45. DBVL alleges that shares in F45 were promised to Beckham but were withheld until after share prices plummeted, resulting in a significant loss for the soccer star.
The exact amount of money lost by Beckham is not clear, but reports suggest it could be as much as $10.5 million (€8.5 million).
F45 gym is a global fitness brand with locations in over 60 countries, offering innovative and high-intensity functional group workouts.
The defendants have yet to comment on the allegations publicly, but their motion to dismiss the lawsuit claims that DBVL is putting the blame on everyone but themselves. The case is ongoing.
This isn't the first time F45 has faced legal action. In 2017, former NFL player Terrell Owens filed a similar lawsuit against F45 Training for $700,000 in unpaid compensation.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.