Victoria Beckham Opens Up About Being Bullied for Dyscalculia
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Victoria Beckham, renowned singer, fashion designer, and former Spice Girl member, revealed her difficult childhood experiences with bullying due to her learning disorder, dyscalculia. During an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper on October 22, Beckham candidly shared her struggles with dyscalculia, a condition that affects how the brain processes numbers and math-related skills, similar to how dyslexia impacts reading.
The 51-year-old star spoke about her childhood, stating that she was labelled as ‘thick’ by her peers because of her academic challenges. Dyscalculia was not recognised or understood during her early years, adding to her difficulties. The learning disorder impacted her ability to grasp concepts like mathematics and numbers, making her a target for bullying. Beckham bravely shared that she was subjected to both physical and mental torment during her school years, recalling incidents where children threw cans at her.
Despite facing such adversity, Beckham highlighted how these experiences helped shape her resilience and tenacity. She mentioned that the bullying continued into her college years, with derogatory comments about her appearance and capabilities. The singer acknowledged that the relentless taunting toughened her resolve and contributed to her developing a ‘thick skin’ to navigate the challenges that lay ahead in her career and public life.
Reflecting on her school days, Beckham opened up about feeling isolated socially due to her dedication to extracurricular activities like dancing and drama lessons. She recalled being distinct from her peers who engaged in different pursuits after school, leading to further feelings of not fitting in. Additionally, she faced struggles with her physical appearance, dealing with severe acne and hair issues that made her a target for more bullying.
Beckham revealed that she internalised her pain and shame from the bullying experiences, keeping them hidden from others, including her supportive parents. The lack of open dialogue about mental health at the time compounded her feelings of isolation and distress. Despite the challenges she faced, Beckham credited her upbringing and her resilience for helping her navigate through the adversities and prepare her for the public scrutiny that awaited her as a celebrity.
As she continues to share her life story, Victoria Beckham’s openness about her past struggles with dyscalculia and bullying serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Her journey from a bullied child to an accomplished and respected figure in the entertainment and fashion industry underscores the importance of perseverance and self-acceptance. Beckham’s resilience and courage in confronting her past traumas stand as a testament to her strength and determination in overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of adversity.