AMANDA PLATELL: Why I found Harper Beckham’s red carpet appearance so deeply inappropriate

In a world that seems to blur the lines between celebrity and reality, Harper Beckham’s recent red carpet appearance was a startling reminder of how far we’ve drifted from decency and propriety. At just 13 years old, Harper, the daughter of football icon David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham, stepped into the spotlight at a high-profile event, wearing a sophisticated, yet surprisingly mature outfit that left many, including myself, feeling uncomfortable.

Let’s be clear—Harper is undeniably beautiful, poised, and undoubtedly talented. But there’s something unsettling about seeing a young girl dressed in an ensemble so clearly aimed at cultivating adult allure. She wore a chic, form-fitting dress, heels, and accessories that wouldn’t look out of place on a 20-something fashionista. In fact, it seemed as though she was being groomed for the red carpet spotlight long before she should be.

It’s not just about the clothes. It’s about the message this sends to young girls everywhere. The pressure to grow up too fast, to fit into a mold of sophistication that is out of touch with their real age, is a dangerous precedent. The fashion industry, especially, has long been accused of sexualizing young girls, and Harper’s appearance on that red carpet felt like a reflection of this toxic culture.

We often hear the phrase “children should be allowed to be children,” yet moments like this remind us how often we fail to uphold that ideal. Instead of encouraging young girls to embrace their innocence, their creativity, and the wonder of their youth, we’re rushing them into a world where appearance often trumps personality, and superficiality eclipses substance.

Harper Beckham may be the daughter of global superstars, but she is still just a child. And for that reason alone, her red carpet debut left me questioning whether this kind of exposure is appropriate for a young girl. She deserves to grow up without the weight of adult expectations, and we as a society should be more mindful of the kind of role models we put in front of our children.