Key Insights

• Allegations: The News of the World reported on alleged encounters between David and Rebecca.
• Tabloid Coverage: British tabloids intensified their coverage of the cheating allegations before the Beckhams’ fifth anniversary.
• Family Statements: Aides clarified that Victoria’s trip to Switzerland was planned, not a reaction to the scandal.
• David’s Response: David Beckham stated he is happily married and dismissed the rumors as ludicrous.

But the now-defunct News of the World ran a story in April 2004 detailing, via a source identified as a so-called “close family friend,” several sexual encounters David and Rebecca allegedly had after that night at the club in 2003, after which they allegedly continued to exchange racy texts. Victoria contacted Rebecca, the story claimed, warning her to back off.

So, a few months shy of the Beckhams’ fifth wedding anniversary, the British tabloids were having their own field day covering the increasingly explosive cheating allegations, which blew up further after Rebecca’s brother alleged his sister had “confirmed” to him that she’d had an affair with the soccer star in Spain.

Aides speaking for the family said Victoria’s subsequent trip to Switzerland was a long-planned vacation with her parents and mother-in-law, not a hasty escape from the public eye.

With the scandal refusing to go away, David broke his silence, saying in a statement: “During the past few months I have become accustomed to reading more and more ludicrous stories about my private life…The simple truth is that I am very happily married. I have a wonderful wife and two very special kids. There is nothing any third party can do to change these facts.”