David Beckham Sues F45 Training Over Alleged Deceptive Deal with Mark Wahlberg

David Beckham Claims He Was Duped Into Signing Deal With Mark Wahlberg Backed Fitness Company

David Beckham and Mark Wahlberg Getty Images (2)

David Beckham's company, DB Ventures, has taken legal action against F45 Training, a company in which Mark Wahlberg has partial ownership. This information has been confirmed.

In court documents obtained by TMZ, Beckham, who is 48 years old, alleged that F45 Training deceived him into signing an endorsement deal. The complaint was initially filed by Beckham's company in May 2023.

Beckham was supposed to be the global ambassador for F45 when he relocated to Los Angeles in August 2021. During his time in the City of Angels, he became good friends with Wahlberg, who is 52 years old. However, both stars no longer live in California. Beckham now lives in Miami, managing his soccer team, while Wahlberg resides in Las Vegas.

According to legal documents, Beckham stated that he never received the $10 million he was promised during contract negotiations. He was told he would receive stocks as part of his compensation, but they were never given to him as the share prices dropped. Beckham also mentioned Wahlberg's investment firm in the lawsuit.

Wahlberg’s lawyers, meanwhile, denied the claims, calling the “fraudulent conduct” accusations baseless in a motion to dismiss according to The Sun.

David Beckham Claims He Was Duped Into Signing Deal With Mark Wahlberg Backed Fitness Company

David Beckham Rich Storry/Getty Images

“The 209-page, 610-paragraph SAC [complaint] tries to make up with length what it lacks in merit,” a response from Wahlberg’s lawyers read.

F45 was established in 2011 with Wahlberg as the chief brand officer and owning over 30 percent of the company. The founders, Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch, were also involved in the lawsuit.

In late 2022, Beckham and former golfer Greg Norman filed a joint lawsuit against F45 Training. However, a judge ruled that they must proceed with separate lawsuits.

F45, a company once valued at $1.4 billion, faced a loss of over $370 million between 2021 and 2023, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald in October 2023. This led to layoffs and cost-cutting measures for employees.

F45, as described on their website, is a global fitness and lifestyle community that provides functional training, HIIT workouts, and nutritional guidance. Fitness has always been a top priority for Wahlberg.

In April 2018, the action star shared with We that he enjoys starting his day with a 4 a.m. workout. He emphasized the importance of taking care of his health, stating that he feels better after hitting the gym. According to him, feeling good about oneself is crucial for happiness.

Two years later, Wahlberg reaffirmed his focus on wellness in another interview with Us.

"Every journey begins with taking that first step. If you've been procrastinating or haven't prioritized your health and fitness, it's time to dive in and start!" he shared in December 2020. "Starting with small steps is important so you don't wake up the next day feeling overly tired and sore. It's okay to feel a little sore, but you don't want to give yourself any excuses to stray off track in the beginning."

During that time, Wahlberg mentioned that he engaged in a variety of F45 programs.

"Wahlberg shared with Us that he stays in top shape and makes improvements by shocking his body and switching up his workouts. He emphasized the importance of listening to his body and taking rest when needed. It is crucial to stay focused on fitness and health goals to avoid slipping back into a sedentary lifestyle and losing momentum."

Editor's P/S:

The legal dispute between David Beckham and F45 Training, a company partially owned by Mark Wahlberg, highlights the potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements. Beckham alleges that he was misled into signing a contract and never received the promised compensation, while Wahlberg's lawyers deny the accusations. The lawsuit raises questions about the ethics of celebrity endorsements and the importance of due diligence before entering into such agreements.

The financial struggles faced by F45 Training, once valued at $1.4 billion, serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of the fitness industry. The company's recent losses and cost-cutting measures underscore the challenges of maintaining profitability in a rapidly evolving market. Wahlberg's previous statements about the importance of fitness and health may add an ironic twist to the situation, as his investment in F45 Training now faces scrutiny.