Review Slams 'The Real Rooneys' as 'Highly Staged Propaganda'

A new documentary series, "The Real Rooneys," has been met with sharp criticism for its alleged inauthenticity and omission of key personal details from the lives of Coleen and Wayne Rooney. The show, available on Disney+, has been labeled "highly staged propaganda" by one reviewer, who argues it presents a misleadingly polished facade.

The critique centers on the series' alleged avoidance of significant issues, including Wayne Rooney's well-documented history of alcohol abuse and past infidelity. According to the review, the show glosses over these substantial challenges, instead focusing on trivial domestic moments and the couple's opulent lifestyle.

Despite Coleen Rooney's promise that the series would offer an unprecedented look into their lives, the review contends that the show feels heavily produced and repetitive. It suggests that much of the content is padding, with similar scenes rehashed and edited with quick cuts to maintain viewer engagement. The reviewer notes that every frame appears carefully scrutinized to ensure the couple is depicted in an exclusively favorable light.

"The extent to which I find this offensive, and the anger of my reaction, surprises even me," the reviewer stated. The criticism is not focused on Wayne Rooney's football career but rather on the show's presentation of an "unvarnished truth" that is perceived as deliberately curated. The review contrasts Coleen Rooney's portrayal in the series with her perceived dignity during the 2022 "Wagatha" court case.

Specific examples cited include a "romantic weekend break" where Coleen's main complaint is Wayne's delay after a golf game, a stark contrast to the serious marital issues that have been publicly reported. The review highlights Wayne's past allegations of cheating, his history with prostitutes, and incidents of public intoxication and drink-driving, none of which are addressed in the documentary.

Similarly, Wayne Rooney's admitted struggles with alcohol are sidestepped. The show depicts him casually rejecting whiskies or enjoying a pint, giving the impression of moderate consumption. This is juxtaposed with his own past statements about drinking until he "almost" passed out and acknowledging that without his wife's intervention, he "would be dead."

Instead of confronting these difficult subjects, "The Real Rooneys" reportedly features footage of the couple engaging in recreational activities such as riding electric bikes, playing football on a private pitch, and swimming. The review also points out the show's glossing over of Wayne's brief and unsuccessful tenure as manager of Plymouth Argyle, where he was sacked after 25 games with the team in last place.

Furthermore, the reviewer describes the Rooney mansion as immaculate and staged, with inspirational slogans and precisely arranged decor, giving the impression that the house is more of a showpiece than a lived-in home. The absence of household staff, who are clearly integral to maintaining such an estate, is also noted as a deliberate omission.

The series also includes extended segments promoting brands endorsed by Coleen Rooney, such as Primark and Paddy Power. Her involvement in designing a clothing range is depicted through her inspecting fabrics and choosing colors, rather than showcasing significant creative input.

The review concludes by emphasizing the couple's perceived lack of self-awareness, exemplified by a scene where Coleen orders a McDonald's takeaway while adorned in expensive jewelry. The article suggests that the show, rather than revealing the "real" Rooneys, presents a heavily manipulated narrative, leaving viewers to question what lies beneath the carefully constructed image.