Tom Brady’s Rumored Romance with Candice Swanepoel Triggers Rift Between Top Models

A reported romance between retired NFL star Tom Brady and Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel has fractured a 15-year friendship between Swanepoel and fellow model Joan Smalls, sparking tension among their fashion industry peers.

According to Page Six, Smalls and Swanepoel ended their long friendship after Swanepoel became involved with Brady, whom Smalls had previously dated on and off for roughly a year. Sources told the outlet that Smalls forced mutual acquaintances to take sides, escalating a feud within their inner circle.

Social Media Backlash and Official Statements

Smalls targeted her former friend online before deleting the posts, referring to Swanepoel as a backstabber and accusing her of violating girl code. Smalls lashed out further over the perceived betrayal on social media.

“And the disrespect and carelessness in how they treat you is so unimaginable. There’s no going back. Some people lack humility and moral compass,” Smalls wrote. She added: “And the way they gaslight, lie and minimize your feelings is the worst slap in the face after 15yrs of friendship. Not a sorry said or written. Onwards and upwards!!!”

Addressing the fallout, a spokesperson for Swanepoel defended the model in a statement to Page Six. “Candice has always been exceptionally private about her personal life, with her focus remaining on raising her children. She and Joan share a longstanding history and a friendship that Candice will always respect,” the representative said.

Brady’s Dating History Since 2022 Split

The alleged relationship with Swanepoel is the latest high-profile connection for Brady following his October 2022 divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen, ending 13 years of marriage. Brady and Bündchen share two children, Benjamin and Vivian, while the former quarterback also has a son, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan. Swanepoel shares two sons with her former fiancé, Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli.

Since his divorce, Brady has been linked to several prominent figures. In 2023, he sparked relationship rumors with Russian model Irina Shayk after the pair were photographed together in Los Angeles. In 2025, Brady reportedly spent time with Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara on a luxury yacht in Ibiza, a link Page Six described as a summer romance.

Brady was also spotted celebrating New Year’s Eve in St. Barts with social media personality Alix Earle, where TMZ footage showed her leaning in to speak with him at an event. The two were later seen at a pre-Super Bowl gathering, with People reporting that they were hooking up.

Representatives for Brady, Smalls, and Swanepoel didn’t respond to requests for comment. Despite the personal fallout, both Swanepoel and Smalls walked the runway together at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.