Joan Smalls Launches Public Attack on Candice Swanepoel Over Tom Brady Romance
Joan Smalls has publicly targeted longtime friend Candice Swanepoel over her new relationship with Tom Brady, accusing her of betrayal and gaslighting. While Swanepoel and Brady have been dating since June, Smalls is forcing mutual friends to choose sides. Gisele Bündchen remains unbothered by the romance, focusing solely on co-parenting.
Key points
- Joan Smalls posted an Instagram story on October 28, 2026, dressing up as 'accountability' in a pointed jab at Candice Swanepoel.
- Smalls and Swanepoel, friends for 15 years, are in a rift because Swanepoel is now dating Tom Brady, whom Smalls previously dated.
- Sources indicate Swanepoel previously encouraged Smalls to break up with Brady, leading Smalls to call Swanepoel a 'backstabber' in deleted comments.
- Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel have been dating since June 2026, though neither has publicly confirmed the relationship.
- Gisele Bündchen is reportedly unbothered by the new romance, stating she has 'nothing to prove' and is focused on her children.
Background
This feud follows the 2022 divorce of Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen. Swanepoel had previously split from Hermann Nicoli in 2018. The current conflict highlights the tension between former Victoria's Secret Angels and the impact of Brady's dating life on his ex-wife and former partners.
How outlets are covering it
Page Six emphasizes the emotional intensity of the feud, highlighting Smalls' deleted comments calling Swanepoel a 'backstabber' and her demand for friends to pick a side. Us Weekly focuses on the factual confirmation of the Brady-Swanepoel relationship, noting they have been together 'for a while' since June. Yahoo highlights Gisele Bündchen's detached attitude, noting she is not monitoring Brady's dating life and has 'nothing to prove' compared to Swanepoel. TMZ was inaccessible due to a 403 error.
Why it matters
The feud underscores the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships and the impact of public dating on long-standing friendships. It also highlights the differing responses of ex-partners to new romances, with Bündchen remaining detached while Smalls reacts with public hostility.
What to watch
Expect continued social media tension between Smalls and Swanepoel. Brady and Swanepoel may eventually address their relationship publicly, though they have remained private so far. Bündchen is unlikely to comment, as she is focused on co-parenting.
- Joan Smalls hints at Candice Swanepoel rift over Tom Brady relationship in pointed ‘accountability’ post Page Six
- Tom Brady, Candice Swanepoel Have Been Dating ‘for a While,’ Source Says People.com
- Tom Brady and Supermodel Candice Swanepoel Have Been Dating ‘For a While,’ Source Says Us Weekly
- Tom Brady & Candice Swanepoel Have Been Dating Since June TMZ
- Gisele Bundchen Has ‘Nothing To Prove’ Amid Tom Brady’s Romance — Source Yahoo
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