Tom Brady’s latest romance sparks Victoria’s Secret model war: report

Tom Brady’s rumored romance with Victoria’s Secret star Candice Swanepoel sparks feud with longtime friend Joan Smalls

A whispered romance between former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and Victoria’s Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel is said to have ignited a bitter rift between the two models, forcing fellow Victoria’s Secret model and Swanepoel’s 15‑year‑old friend Joan Smalls to choose sides. The conflict, which has already spilled into social‑media drama, is already drawing attention from the fashion world and the sports press.

A friendship that dates back a decade and a half

Joan Smalls and Candice Swanepoel first met in the early 2010s when they both walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret. Over the years they built a close friendship that included shared photos, joint appearances and a long‑standing “girl code.” In 2023, the two women walked side‑by‑side on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stage in New York, a reminder of the camaraderie that had persisted for fifteen years.

Smalls, however, has been in a reported on‑and‑off relationship with Tom Brady that spanned roughly a year. While the details remain private, the fact that Smalls had dated Brady is a key element in the current tension.

Rumors of a new romance

Sources told the gossip outlet Page Six that Swanepoel has been romantically involved with Brady, a claim that has not yet been confirmed by either party. The rumor gained traction after a series of Instagram posts from Swanepoel’s account appeared to target Smalls, labeling her a “backstabber” and accusing her of breaking the “girl code.” Swanepoel allegedly wrote:

“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. 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!!!”

These comments, posted on the model’s account, sparked an immediate backlash from Smalls, who reportedly told mutual friends that they would have to pick a side. The ultimatum, according to the Page Six piece, has “ignited a bitter war within the VS circle.”

Responses from the parties involved

In a statement to Page Six, Swanepoel’s representative said:

“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 representatives for Smalls, Swanepoel and Brady have not responded to requests for comment, and neither Brady nor Swanepoel has publicly addressed the rumored relationship. Smalls’ representative was not reached for comment, but sources indicate she is “unavailable to discuss personal matters at this time.”

The feud’s wider context

The drama unfolds against a backdrop of Brady’s high‑profile post‑divorce relationships. The former quarterback and supermodel Gisele Bündchen finalized their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage; the pair share two children, Benjamin and Vivian, while Brady also shares a son, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan. Since the divorce, Brady has been linked to several prominent women: Russian supermodel Irina Shayk, “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, and social‑media influencer Alix Earle, who was seen celebrating New Year’s Eve with Brady in St. Barts and again at a pre‑Super Bowl party earlier this year.

While these relationships are part of Brady’s public narrative, the current rumor involving Swanepoel has taken the spotlight because of its impact on the Victoria’s Secret community. Both Swanepoel and Smalls walked the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a notable moment given the strained friendship.

What the feud means for the models

If the rumor about Brady and Swanepoel proves true, it could have long‑term implications for the models’ careers and friendships. Smalls has historically been outspoken about loyalty, and the “girl code” accusations suggest a deep rift. The fact that both models remained on the runway together in 2026 indicates that professional commitments may still override personal drama, at least for now.

Until a direct statement comes from any of the parties, the situation remains largely speculation. Social media platforms continue to buzz with the comments, while press outlets track any developments, noting that the relationship and ensuing feud could affect future collaborations among the models and even influence brand partnerships within the fashion industry.

For now, the rumor that Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel are romantically involved and the fallout with Joan Smalls remain a headline‑grabbing story that underscores the intertwining of celebrity relationships, professional obligations, and personal loyalties in the public eye.