Cruz Beckham, 19, visits popular Rio beach with girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, after hitting back at critics by claiming ‘Jesus is also a nepo baby’

The inevitable accusations of nepotism surrounding Cruz Beckham and his latest musical endeavour were swept aside on Sunday as the young musician ventured out in Rio de Janeiro with his Brazilian girlfriend.

Cruz, 19, is hoping to make his mark on the music industry with forthcoming single For Ya Love after releasing a snippet of the accomplished track across social media over Christmas.

But after defending himself against a subsequent wave of divided comments with the bizarre claim that ‘Jesus is also a nepo baby,’ the teenager paid a visit to picturesque Ipanema Beach with girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29.

Cruz showed off his growing collection of tattoos in a white vest top while walking hand-in-hand with songwriter Jackie.

Joining her boyfriend, the brunette caught the eye in a pair of red nylon gym shorts and a form-fitting crop top as they made the most of the popular beach.

Taking to Instagram after their day out in Rio – where temperatures are currently as high as 25 degrees – Cruz revealed his sunburn with the accompanying comment: ‘Already.’

As the son of David and Victoria Beckham, he’s long had to battle accusations that he’s used his famous parents to advance his fledgling music career.

But Cruz appeared to have been particularly riled by the latest claims of nepotism levelled at him – responding with the bizarre declaration that ‘Jesus is also a nepo baby’.

The outburst came after he released a teaser video of his new Beatles-inspired song For Ya Love on social media on Christmas Day.

‘Not bad,’ wrote one critic. ‘Bet he had mega money and training.’ The 19-year-old quickly hit back, replying: ‘Not at all. Just a guitar.’

When the jibes continued, Beckham came out with his Jesus comment. Less than 12 hours later, early yesterday morning, he deleted the post.

Cruz spent Christmas at his parents’ new £60million waterfront mansion in Miami, with his Brazilian-German songwriter girlfriend.