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Former friends Mark Wahlberg and David Beckham feud over fitness brand deal

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Actor Mark Wahlberg is being sued by his former buddy, David Beckham. (PHOTO: Getty Images/Gallo Images)
Actor Mark Wahlberg is being sued by his former buddy, David Beckham. (PHOTO: Getty Images/Gallo Images)

Mark Wahlberg was recently spotted holidaying in Hawaii, looking like he didn't have a care in the world, despite being embroiled in a lawsuit with David Beckham. 

Mark (52) posted a rare picture of himself with his wife, Rhea Durham (45), and sons, Michael (18) and Brendan (15). The couple also have daughters Ella (20) and Grace (14). 

“What a time. Nothing like it. Except for those two boys being taller than me already,” he captioned the snap of Rhea and their sons.

In the picture Mark is all smiles with his family, yet his legal troubles are far from a laughing matter as David is suing him and his business partners for $10 million (R180m) after a business deal went wrong. 

Mark and David, both fitness enthusiasts, became friends in 2007 after David moved to Mark's neighbourhood in Los Angeles while playing for LA Galaxy.

In 2011, they decided to go into business together. David became the global ambassador for Australian fitness brand F45 Training. Mark holds a 36% interest in the company, making him a minority shareholder. 

As the global ambassador, David shot promotional workout videos, did photoshoots and advertised the brand on his Instagram account which has millions of followers.

david beckham
David at an F45 Training launch event in 2022. (PHOTO: Getty Images/Gallo Images)

“I feel in the best shape that I've felt since I retired from playing football and that's through F45,” David said in promos for the brand.

Things turned sour for David when he was promised shares in early 2022, but their delivery was delayed for several months, leading to a significant decrease in their value.

Australian golfer Greg Norman, who also signed a deal with the company, felt he too was short-changed by the company and, alongside David, attempted to sue them for $20m (R360m).

A judge, however, instructed Norman to pursue his own court case. 

Meanwhile, Mark says David’s lawsuit should be dismissed as his claims are false.  

SOURCES: DAILYMAIL.CO.UK, THESUN.CO.UK, USMAGAZINE.COM, TMZ.COM

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