Brooklyn Beckham drew widespread online criticism after posting a video of himself boiling pasta using seawater collected directly from the ocean [1, 2].
The incident highlights the ongoing public scrutiny of Beckham's attempts to establish himself as a chef, often sparking debate over his culinary methods.
In the footage, Beckham is seen at a coastal location where he gathers ocean water to use as the base for a tomato pasta dish [1, 3]. The unconventional approach to seasoning the pasta led to a wave of mockery across various social media platforms [1, 2].
Some critics focused on the potential contaminants in ocean water. One social-media commentator described the result as having a "hint of burnt boat fuel" [2]. The reaction was not limited to anonymous users; host Kinsey Schofield said something about the situation.
“That’s my Roman Empire: what’s Brooklyn Beckham doing with his life,” Schofield said [2].
While the majority of the reaction was critical, some supporters of the influencer attempted to defend the choice. One fan asked, “What’s with all the hate?” in a post regarding the video [1].
Beckham has previously faced similar backlash for his cooking content, but the use of raw seawater marked a new point of contention for viewers [1, 3]. The video continues to circulate as a point of discussion regarding the intersection of celebrity branding and professional culinary standards [2].
““That’s my Roman Empire: what’s Brooklyn Beckham doing with his life,””
This reaction reflects a broader cultural tension regarding 'celebrity chefs' who lack formal training. By using seawater—a substance containing unpredictable pollutants and salt levels—Beckham reinforced a public perception that his culinary pursuits prioritize visual aesthetics and shock value over food safety and traditional technique.
