David Beckham Slams Reports That Criticize His Daughter's Use Of Pacifier At 4

David Beckham struck back on social media against a Daily Mail story criticizing his parenting style for giving a pacifier to his 4-year-old daughter, Harper. The former soccer player took to Instagram Monday. “Why do people feel they have the right to criticize a parent about their own children without having any facts??” he wrote on Instagram, along with a screenshot of the Daily Mail's story.

“Everybody who has children knows that when they aren't feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best, and most of the time it's a pacifier,” Beckham wrote. He also slammed the publication, saying it should “think twice about what you say about other people's children because actually you have no right to criticize me as a parent.”

Beckham was irked when the Daily Mail came out with a story headlined: “Why does Harper, 4, still use a dummy?” The story interviewed “experts” who said Harper may end up with “speech or dental issues” if she continues to use the pacifier. The publication showed pictures of Harper with a pacifier in her mouth on various occasions.

The website also called Harper's attachment to a pacifier as “last child syndrome.” Since she is the youngest, the couple could still be treating her like a baby, the website said, citing expert opinion. Harper has three siblings: Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 12, and Cruz, 10.

Harper turned 4 in July and Beckham celebrated by getting “Pretty Lady, Harper” inked on his neck. The footballer also shared pictures of Harper, including one where she wears a birthday hat.