Celebrities Who Faked Humble Beginnings and Got Exposed Instantly
Some stars just can’t help themselves. They paint a picture of growing up in hardship to win over the public, but sometimes the truth comes out. These celebrities tried to pass off their pasts as “humble beginnings,” only to be caught in their own stories.
Let’s break down a few who got called out on the spot:
Victoria Beckham’s “Working-Class” Story
Victoria Beckham’s attempt at humble storytelling in the documentary Beckham was immediately questioned by her husband, David. She claimed to have come from a “working-class” background. But David wasn’t having it.
He quickly pushed her to admit a key detail. Her father drove her to school in a Rolls-Royce. Not exactly the image of a working-class family, right? Despite her claims, her father was an electronics engineer, a profession far from that of a struggling worker. When you combine that with the lavish lifestyle the Beckhams have led, it is hard to believe her “humble beginnings” narrative.
Fun Corner / IG / David Beckham once famously corrected his wife, Victoria Beckham, who was faking a ‘humble beginning’ in an interview.
It is clear that Victoria might have wanted to resonate with her audience by portraying herself as someone who fought hard for success. However, as soon as David exposed the truth, it was hard to take her story seriously. It turns out the former “Spice Girl” didn’t have quite the rough start she made it seem.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s “Working-Class” Claim
Ryan Reynolds may have convinced a lot of people that he and wife Blake Lively had humble beginnings, but the details don’t add up. In a rare interview, Ryan talked about wanting to give their kids a “normal” life, citing that both he and Blake came from “very working-class” backgrounds.
While Ryan’s story holds up, his mom was a retail worker and his dad a police officer, Blake’s story tells a different tale. She grew up in a wealthy LA suburb, with both of her parents involved in the entertainment industry. Blake’s father was a well-known actor-director, and her mother worked as a talent manager.
The truth is, Blake was no stranger to privilege. She went to high school in Burbank, surrounded by future stars, and by 17, landed a major role in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” From her designer prom gown to her home with a chandelier and en-suite bathroom, Blake’s upbringing was not exactly “working-class.”
So, while Ryan’s story checks out, Blake’s doesn’t quite match up with his claim.
Travis Scott’s “Hood” Narrative
Travis Scott’s rise to fame includes a tale of growing up in the rough parts of Houston, but his story doesn’t line up with reality. Sure, Scott has said that he spent time living with his grandma in the “hood” from ages one to six. But he was also quick to point out that his family had a solid middle-class life.
His mom worked at Apple, and his dad owned a business. In fact, Travis went to private school for elementary and middle school, surrounded by wealthy peers.
Flame / IG / Travis Scott’s famous songs like “Pulled out of the hood, Toyota, Drove back to the hood, Lambo” suggest a much deeper connection to street life than what his upbringing might suggest.
Yes, his family moved when he was six. But that is not quite the same as what his lyrics imply. It seems Travis Scott might be stretching the truth to appear more aligned with the “hustler” persona he promotes in his music.
Whitney Cummings
“Broke Girls” actress Whitney Cummings has frequently spoken about growing up poor, even mentioning how much she related to the TV show “Roseanne” because it mirrored her supposed poverty. However, when you look closer at her background, it doesn’t quite add up.
While she claims she had it tough, she was raised in the affluent neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington D.C., and attended the pricey St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. Her parents might not have been rolling in cash, but they certainly were not struggling.
Cummings’ claims that her family didn’t feed her and that they had lice issues seem exaggerated. She had access to things most people in poverty would never dream of, including a horse and a high-end education at the University of Pennsylvania.