A Tom Brady romance, a ‘Backstabber’ accusation and 15 years of friendship: Inside the supermodel fallout

Tom Brady’s reported romance with Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel has sparked speculation about a bitter split between Swanepoel and her longtime friend Joan Smalls. According to reports, Smalls and Brady were romantically involved on and off for about a year, making the latest relationship rumors especially sensitive given the models’ 15-year friendship. Alleged social media comments accusing an unnamed person of betrayal have added to the attention, though neither model has publicly confirmed the full story. For now, the reported fallout remains a mix of insider claims, cryptic posts and unanswered questions.Joan Smalls’ ‘Backstabber’ comments put her friendship with Candice Swanepoel under scrutinyThe reported rift became a talking point after Smalls allegedly responded to a fan asking about her friendship with Swanepoel. In comments that were later deleted, she reportedly wrote, “I'm not friends with backstabbers.” Another message appeared to explain her frustration, referring to broken trust and a lack of respect after years of friendship."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," she reportedly wrote."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!!!"The timing fueled speculation. Both models attended the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but fans noticed they were not seen together as they had been in the past. Reports also linked their apparent distance to Brady, with sources claiming Smalls felt blindsided by her friend's reported relationship with the retired quarterback.Still, the distinction between reported claims and confirmed facts matters. Neither model has publicly laid out the full reason for the apparent tension, and Brady has not confirmed a relationship with Swanepoel. The online comments may offer clues about hurt feelings, but they do not establish exactly what happened between the longtime friends.Candice Swanepoel’s response leaves the door open on a 15-year friendshipSwanepoel's representative offered a measured response when asked about the reports, stressing the model's preference for privacy rather than addressing the alleged romantic dispute directly."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."That statement neither confirms a feud nor dismisses the history between the two models. Their friendship stretches back roughly 15 years, through careers that have often placed them in the same fashion circles and major industry events. A dispute involving a reported romance would therefore carry a different weight from an ordinary celebrity dating rumor.Brady, meanwhile, has been linked to several women since finalizing his divorce from Gisele Bündchen in October 2022. His reported connection with Swanepoel has now brought attention to a personal situation involving two established figures in the modeling world.For now, the biggest unanswered question is not whether Brady and Swanepoel are dating, but whether a friendship that lasted 15 years can withstand the reported breach of trust. Until the people involved speak more clearly, the claims should remain just that: reports, not a settled account of what ended the relationship between two longtime friends.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.