David Beckham ‘asked for a private jet to go on Graham Norton Show’
Beckham appeared on the show alongside Hugh Jackman in February 2016
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Beckham allegedly demanded BBC producers hire him a private jet to appear on a show.
The jet was hired by the BBC to take Beckham to watch his son play football after appearing on the Graham Norton Show, it has been reported.
Beckham appeared on the programme alongside Hugh Jackman in February 2016 after which he reportedly took the jet to Liverpool to watch his son Brooklyn in a football tournament.
It is thought the cost of the jet was around £17,000, according to the Scottish Daily Mail.
A BBC spokesperson told The Independent: "David Beckham appeared on The Graham Norton Show in 2015 to promote his work for UNICEF.
"He was not paid a fee for his appearance and, although we will not comment on this specific case, it is normal practice for the independent production company to provide travel and/or accommodation for guests as and when required."
The news comes after Beckham reportedly had his private emails leaked which included several that, if genuine, portray the star in a negative light.
In one of the leaked emails, Beckham lambasts the honours committee which decides on recipients as "a bunch of c***s" and brands the honours system as "a f****** joke", after not receiving a knighthood.
Other emails reportedly show Beckham reacting negatively to a suggested donation to Unicef, of which he is a goodwill ambassador.
Unicef defended Beckham and said it was “extremely proud” of their work together. The charity praised his efforts in raising awareness and funds for its causes and personally donating “significant” sums.
Unicef said: “As well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for Unicef’s work for children, David has given significant funds personally.”
David Beckham’s representatives say the hacked emails discussing his charity work and prospective honours relate to "outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails" and paint a “deliberately inaccurate picture” of his views.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments