Victoria Beckham Doesn’t Cook, and It’s Sparking Major Backlash – Should She Be Held to a Higher Standard?

Victoria Beckham, former Spice Girl turned global fashion mogul, has long been a subject of public fascination. Her impeccably curated image of luxury, success, and sophistication has made her a role model for many. However, in a recent interview, the 50-year-old fashion designer made a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through her fanbase and social media at large—Victoria Beckham doesn’t cook. And now, she’s facing major backlash. But the real question is, should she be held to a higher standard because of her fame, wealth, and image?

A Shocking Admission
The revelation came during an appearance on The River Cafe Table 4 podcast, where Beckham shared that she doesn’t engage in the everyday cooking that many of us do. “I don’t cook,” she said candidly, much to the disbelief of fans who have long admired her for her chic, “perfect” lifestyle. Instead, she relies on a team of chefs to prepare meals for her and her family, which has triggered a wide range of reactions online.

For some, this is no big deal. After all, Beckham is a billionaire, juggling multiple business ventures, fashion lines, and family life. With a team to help manage her daily responsibilities, it’s easy to understand why cooking wouldn’t top her to-do list. But for others, this admission taps into a deeper, more complex set of expectations about women, motherhood, and the image of “having it all.”

The Backlash: Why Does It Matter?
The backlash against Victoria Beckham’s non-cooking habits comes from several directions. For one, it challenges the deeply ingrained societal ideal of the “supermom” who balances career, family, and homemaking. With her public image of the perfect family—her four children with husband David Beckham, all appearing well-behaved and well-dressed—it’s easy to assume that she embodies traditional roles as a mother and wife. The reality that she doesn’t cook disrupts this perfect picture, creating a sense of disillusionment for some fans who’ve placed her on a pedestal.

Then there’s the issue of privilege. Critics point out that Beckham’s wealth and celebrity status put her in a completely different category than most people. As a mother and businesswoman with endless resources at her disposal, why can’t she be expected to cook at least occasionally? While she is open about delegating many tasks, some wonder if there’s a moral or social expectation for someone with such immense privilege to “pitch in” at home like the rest of us.

The Double Standards: Women and Domestic Labor
The backlash against Beckham also underscores a much larger conversation about gender roles. Why is it so controversial for a woman like Beckham to admit she doesn’t cook, while men in similar positions often don’t face the same scrutiny? Let’s not forget that David Beckham—arguably just as famous and wealthy—has never been publicly shamed for his lack of culinary contributions.

Society still has deeply ingrained expectations of women as caregivers, homemakers, and nurturers. Even in 2024, women are often expected to juggle careers, manage households, and raise children, all while maintaining an image of perfection. Victoria Beckham’s admission that she doesn’t cook could be seen as a refusal to conform to this outdated, impossible standard.

The “Perfect” Image: A Trap for Celebrities
Perhaps what’s most revealing about the backlash is the unhealthy fixation we have on the lives of celebrities. The public’s desire to see Beckham as a perfect, self-sufficient superwoman is an unrealistic and often toxic expectation. Celebrities, like all of us, have limitations. They need help, they need support, and they are entitled to prioritize their time however they see fit—whether that means hiring a private chef or taking a break from domestic chores.

Moreover, Beckham’s personal admission may be viewed as an act of authenticity. In a world where many celebrities curate highly polished, unattainable lifestyles, her honest declaration about not cooking could be seen as refreshing. After all, why should anyone—famous or not—be expected to do it all?

Is Cooking Really a “Wifely” Duty?
Finally, we must ask: is it really fair to hold Victoria Beckham—or any woman—to the expectation that she must cook, simply because she is a wife and mother? Should the role of “homemaker” still carry so much weight in the 21st century, especially when it’s tied to outdated gender norms? In a world where men and women alike are excelling in their careers, the division of labor at home is becoming increasingly negotiable. There’s no universal rule that says a woman should be expected to cook dinner every night. It’s about finding a balance, and what works for one family doesn’t necessarily work for another.

Conclusion: Should We Hold Victoria Beckham to a Higher Standard?
The backlash against Victoria Beckham’s admission that she doesn’t cook highlights the unrealistic standards placed on women, especially those in the public eye. While some may argue that she should be setting a better example by engaging in domestic tasks, the truth is that every family is different. What we need to focus on is breaking free from the rigid, outdated expectations of who should do what in the household. If Victoria Beckham prefers not to cook and has the resources to delegate, that’s her choice—and it doesn’t diminish her value as a mother, wife, or businesswoman.

Rather than criticize her for choosing to prioritize other aspects of her life, we should embrace the idea that women—celebrities or not—shouldn’t be held to one-size-fits-all standards. The conversation should shift from “What does she do at home?” to “What are her accomplishments, and how can we break free from gendered expectations?” After all, in 2024, it’s time we let go of the outdated notion that domestic labor is a woman’s sole responsibility.