Personal assistant Rebecca Loos, now 46, went public about her alleged affair with David Beckham, 49, following his failure to tip a waitress.
The aftermath of Rebecca's revelation was the "hardest period" for David and wife Victoria, according to last year's Netflix series Beckham.
Now a book by author Tom Bower tells for the first time why Rebecca spoke out, posing the biggest test of the Beckham's marriage, which is 25 years old next month.
In The House of Beckham, the author writes that after a meal at Madrid's Hard Rock Cafe for Rebecca and other staff of his SFX agency, the millionaire footballer did not tip.
Bower writes: "The following day, the waitress gave Loos a note for Beckham. Explaining that she survived on the tips, she expressed her anger that someone as famous and rich could be so mean.
"After reading the note, Beckham was alarmed. 'Give her this, he said handing over a thick wodge of euros.
"Reflecting... about how Beckham had played her and lied to her, Loos was angry."
Rebecca, who was let go by SFX, sold her story alleging an affair to a former Sunday newspaper in 2004.
The Beckham's PR advisers quickly arranged a show of togetherness on holiday in the Alpine ski resort of Courchevel, France, to try to offset the damage to Brand Beckham.
The book says: "In a bravura performance the couple clung to each other she with an iron grip on his hand. Then they performed a piggyback and smiled.
This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I'll be like a proud dad when I watch Connor playing for Rangers... he is coach's dream
Former Ibrox star backs protege to be smash hit in Light Blue
BRENDAN CAN DRAG ODIN HOLM TO AJER GROUND
There are 13 million reasons Norwegian could still end up a Vaulable Celtic asset
We're not in Europe just to get a round in
Saints ace O'Hara wants longer stay
THE END IS CRY
Wimbledon prepares for a river of tears as Andy tries to make his SW19 last stand
BETTER TIMES BECKON
Emma to step it up after ugly win
We are terrified & have nowhere to turn
Pair's ordeal after they fled south amid 'traumatic' psychiatric lock-up order
Jay family 'make sure cops aren't giving up'
They hold talks after hunt ditched
Freya's fight to survive hit by red tape
Sickly teen can't get help she badly needs
THE BLETHER FORECAST
Beeb favourite Carol gets stick over rain
Energy bills down.. but not for long
Consumers set to save £17.. as experts warn prices will rise again in autumn