Los Angeles, California – Former soccer star David Beckham is taking legal action against actor Mark Wahlberg over a failed brand deal with F45 Training. Beckham’s company, DB Ventures, alleges that Wahlberg misled him, resulting in a loss of $10 million when promised stocks were not delivered on time and the share prices plummeted.
F45 Training is a global chain of fitness centers offering high-intensity functional group workouts in 60 countries, including the United States. Beckham, who agreed to be a global ambassador for the brand, moved to Los Angeles and promoted F45 on social media before the posts were deleted.
In addition to suing Wahlberg, Beckham is also targeting Wahlberg’s investment firm and the founders of F45 Training. Wahlberg, as the chief branding officer of F45, along with his co-defendants, are seeking to dismiss the case, claiming that Beckham’s allegations of fraudulent conduct are unfounded.
The legal battle between Beckham and Wahlberg dates back to 2022 when they initially attempted to sue together but were instructed by a California court to file separate lawsuits. Beckham had joined forces with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, who also had issues with F45.
The relationship between Beckham and Wahlberg goes back to 2007 when they became friends while living in the same Los Angeles neighborhood. Wahlberg purchased a minority stake in F45 through his investment firm in 2019, along with FOD Capital.
Beckham had praised F45 and credited Wahlberg for introducing him to the franchise in 2021 when the partnership was announced. However, the legal dispute now underscores the challenges faced by celebrities venturing into business partnerships.