Joan Smalls and Candice Swanepoel’s Friendship Collapses Over Tom Brady Romance

Key points

• Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel have been dating since spring 2026, confirmed by Us Weekly.
• Joan Smalls and Tom Brady had an on-and-off relationship between 2023 and 2024, according to sources.
• Smalls publicly accused Swanepoel of being a 'backstabber' on social media after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
• Smalls referenced the reality show 'Summer House' to highlight the betrayal, comparing it to a known love triangle.
• Swanepoel’s representative stated she respects her long-standing friendship with Smalls, but has not apologized.

Background

This follows Brady’s 2022 divorce from Gisele Bündchen and Swanepoel’s 2018 split from Hermann Nicoli. Both women are Victoria's Secret Angels, and their friendship was well-known in the industry. The archive notes that the couple has been together since May or June 2026, with sources citing shared parenting values and Miami proximity as factors.

How outlets are covering it

Us Weekly and Yahoo Entertainment emphasize the betrayal aspect, with Smalls feeling 'blindsided' and 'betrayed' by Swanepoel. The Cut highlights the public nature of the feud, including Smalls' Instagram comments and the 'Summer House' reference. TMZ was inaccessible, but other sources confirm the dating status. Swanepoel’s representative downplays the conflict, focusing on their long history and her privacy.

Why it matters

The feud highlights the intense public scrutiny of celebrity relationships and the impact of social media on personal conflicts. It also underscores the dynamics within the Victoria's Secret Angel community, where friendships and rivalries are closely watched by fans and media.

What to watch

The situation may escalate if Smalls continues to publicly criticize Swanepoel, or it could cool down if both parties choose to keep their personal lives private. The outcome could affect their professional relationships and public images in the fashion industry.