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.’

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, Jackie Apostel

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

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.

In May, Cruz switched his music management from TaP, who work with the likes of Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding, to guitar-led outfit C3, which is based in Los Angeles.

Having worked with bands such as The Strokes, C3 is a key signing for the young singer and guitarist.

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’

Cruz appears 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’

This year, the teenager worked with songwriter Ed Drewett, who has four number one hits to his name including Little Mix’s song Black Magic and The Wanted’s All Time Low.

Cruz has also worked with producer Fred Ball, known for his success with big names such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Ed Sheeran.

Accusations of privilege have dogged his brothers too, throughout their various endeavours.

Eldest Beckham son Brooklyn, 25, has attempted a number of high-profile careers, including a widely ridiculed attempt to be a pH๏τographer.

Brooklyn now lives in Los Angeles with wife Nicola Peltz, the daughter of a billionaire businessman, and makes money by promoting products to his 16 million social media followers.

He also recently released his own brand of H๏τ sauce.

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

Fortunately for Cruz, the response to his attempt to compare himself with Christ has not turned as ugly as the fallout from John Lennon’s declaration that The Beatles (pictured) were ‘more popular than Jesus’ in 1966

Next eldest son Romeo, 22, recently gave up his bid to become a professional footballer after a year with Brentford and a spell training with his father’s US club, Inter Miami.

In September it was announced that Romeo, who is dating 23-year-old DJ Kim Turnbull, would now be following his mother into a career in fashion.

Victoria, who runs the high-end fashion house bearing her name, is supporting her son.

He has already signed with a top agent, Safe Management, and has modelled for Yves Saint Laurent.

Fortunately for Cruz, the response to his attempt to compare himself with Christ has not turned as ugly as the fallout from John Lennon’s declaration that The Beatles were ‘more popular than Jesus’ in 1966.

That remark prompted howls of protest among Christian communities in the US and led to death threats, American radio stations banning The Beatles’ music and public bonfires of the band’s records across the country.