Inside Gisele Bündchen's Reaction to Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel Dating Buzz

Tom Brady's reported new romance with Candice Swanepoel has inevitably put his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen back in the conversation.

But while their shared Victoria's Secret history has prompted questions about whether Swanepoel crossed a line, sources close to the situation say the reality is far less dramatic.

The biggest clue comes from what Bündchen is reportedly focused on now — and what she apparently thinks about the woman dating her ex-husband.

Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel Have Reportedly Kept Things Quiet

Brady, 49, and Swanepoel, 38, have reportedly been dating quietly since June, according to TMZ. Rather than appearing together at Miami's better-known hotspots, the pair have reportedly spent time at lower-key locations around Indian Creek.

That discretion has not stopped the reported relationship from attracting attention. One reason is Swanepoel's long connection to the same modeling world as Bündchen.

Both women have longstanding ties to Victoria's Secret and have moved through similar fashion circles over the years. That overlap led some social media users to question whether Swanepoel had broken an unwritten "girl code" by becoming involved with Bündchen's former husband.

But according to sources familiar with the situation, the friendship at the center of those claims was never as close as some assumed.

The Friendship Question Is Not What It Seemed

Bündchen, 46, and Swanepoel were friendly and supportive of each other and naturally crossed paths through their modeling careers, according to TMZ's sources. However, their relationship reportedly never developed into a close friendship.

The sources also said the two women have not been seen together in recent years, making the online claims that Swanepoel somehow betrayed Bündchen difficult to square with the nature of their relationship.

Most importantly, Bündchen reportedly does not view Swanepoel's relationship with Brady as a betrayal.

Their shared Victoria's Secret history may have made them appear closer from the outside, but the sources' account suggests their connection was professional and friendly rather than an intimate friendship.

And Bündchen's reported response to Brady's new relationship appears to go further than simply dismissing the "girl code" debate.

Gisele Bündchen's Reported Reaction Says It All

Bündchen reportedly has little interest in keeping tabs on Brady's dating life. A source told People that the supermodel is focused on her life in Miami and her family with husband Joaquim Valente.

The insider summed up Bündchen's reported position on Brady and his new romance in unusually clear terms:

"Tom's the father of her children, and she wants the best for him. She's not focused on who he's dating. She's in a very happy place and really enjoying her life."

The source added that Bündchen loves living in Miami and said welcoming another baby has brought her considerable joy. According to the insider, she is happy with the life she has built.

That reported outlook puts the online debate surrounding Brady and Swanepoel in a different light. Bündchen and Brady finalized their divorce in 2022 after 13 years of marriage.

They share son Benjamin, 16, and daughter Vivian, 13. Brady also has an older son, Jack, with his former partner Bridget Moynahan.

Bündchen Has Built a New Life With Joaquim Valente

Bündchen has also moved forward in her own personal life. She and Valente welcomed a baby in February 2025 after a source had confirmed the pregnancy the previous October. The child is Bündchen's third.

The couple later married in 2025, according to TMZ. Against that backdrop, sources describe Bündchen as focused on her family rather than on the details of Brady's reported relationship.

Her response also draws a clear line between two separate issues that have become tangled online: Brady's reported romance with Swanepoel and speculation about Swanepoel's relationships with other women in the modeling world.

While sources say Bündchen does not feel betrayed, the same "girl code" question has surfaced in a very different controversy involving Swanepoel and fellow model Joan Smalls.

As we previously reported, the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show brought together some of the modeling world's most recognizable faces, including Joan Smalls and Candice Swanepoel. However, shortly after the two models walked the runway, speculation emerged that their longtime friendship might have come to an end.

A Victoria's Secret Reunion Has Taken an Unexpected Turn

The rumors gained traction after screenshots of alleged social media comments attributed to Smalls began circulating online. One particularly striking message appeared to address whether the models were still friends, with the account allegedly responding, "I'm not friends with backstabbers."

The post has not independently established what happened between the women, but the wording quickly caught people's attention. Another alleged comment fueled speculation, with Smalls purportedly writing, "There is no girl code with some people."

The alleged remarks prompted questions about whether something had happened behind the scenes between the two models. Then, Smalls appeared to offer another clue about the situation herself.

Joan Smalls Drops a Cryptic Hint About the Friendship Fallout

According to a report, Smalls commented on the outlet's Instagram post discussing the rumored fallout. "Two words: SUMMER HOUSE! That'll explain everything." The remark appeared to reference the Bravo reality series Summer House, which recently became the subject of its own friendship controversy involving Ciara Miller, Amanda Batula, and West Wilson.

Earlier in the year, Batula and Wilson addressed rumors about their relationship after weeks of speculation. Their revelation attracted attention because Wilson had previously been involved with Miller, who had been close friends with Batula for years.

Smalls' reference to the show seemed to invite comparisons between the two situations, although it did not explicitly explain what had happened between her and Swanepoel. Still, it gave the rumors another talking point.

The drama did not end there. Smalls also responded to a separate comment suggesting that the reported friendship breakdown had something to do with substance abuse.

Smalls Pushes Back Against a Different Rumor

One Instagram user alleged that the fallout involved an addiction-related disagreement, writing that one woman had supposedly tried to help the other before their friendship ended.

Smalls responded directly to that suggestion, writing, "When it comes to a black/latin woman, they always come for drug substance abuse. And this is harming [sic]. Meanwhile, the real user of medications without a prescription from a different country is ilegal. Please don’t make me talk…"

Her response pushed back against the substance-abuse speculation and suggested that she objected to the way such allegations were being directed at her.

The comment did not establish the cause of the rumored falling-out, leaving the questions about the friendship unresolved. Then came a separate claim that potentially connected the personal drama to one of the biggest names in professional football.

An Unverified Tip Brings Tom Brady Into the Picture

According to DeuxMoi's report, a tipster alleged that Brady could be at the center of the rumored friendship breakdown.

The tipster claimed that Smalls and Brady had dated on and off for approximately a year. According to the unverified account, Swanepoel had expressed concern about the relationship out of respect for Brady's former wife, Gisele Bündchen, and advised Smalls to be careful.

The tipster further alleged that after Smalls' reported relationship with Brady ended, Swanepoel became romantically involved with him herself.

These claims remain unverified. The reported relationship between Smalls and Brady has not been independently established, and neither model has publicly confirmed that the alleged romance was responsible for a friendship breakdown. DeuxMoi also noted that it had previously received information suggesting Brady and Swanepoel were romantically involved.

The outlet said multiple additional sources had corroborated that earlier tip, but its reporting did not establish whether Brady played any role in the models' rumored fallout. The speculation has nevertheless drawn attention to a relationship that has now been reported by multiple entertainment outlets.

Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel Have Reportedly Been Dating for Months

Brady, 49, and Swanepoel, 38, are reportedly an item, according to Us Weekly. Tom Brady and supermodel Candice Swanepoel are dating, a source exclusively tells Us. Brady and Swanepoel have been together "for a while," per the insider.

The report added that neither Brady nor Swanepoel had publicly addressed the romance at the time of publication. The outlet also said it had reached out for comment. A subsequent PEOPLE report offered more details about the reported relationship, with an insider saying the pair's shared home base makes spending time together convenient.

"They both live in Miami, so it's very convenient," the insider said. "They're spending a lot of time together." Another source told the publication, "Candice and Tom have been dating for months. She's been very secretive and selective about who she's told about their dating. When they have met up, they've gone [to great] lengths not to be spotted."

The reports suggest the pair have been keeping their relationship out of the spotlight rather than making a public announcement. However, the accounts do not independently verify the claims about Smalls or explain whether the reported romance has anything to do with the rumored friendship fallout.

The Romance Has Also Sparked Reactions About Gisele Bündchen

Brady's reported new relationship has prompted social media viewers to revisit his history with Bündchen, whom he married in 2009. The former couple divorced in 2022 after 13 years of marriage and share two children, Benjamin Rein Brady, 16, and Vivian Lake Brady, 13.

Brady also shares his eldest son, John "Jack" Edward Thomas Moynahan, 19, with actress Bridget Moynahan. Bündchen and Swanepoel have a connection of their own through the modeling world. In December 2019, Bündchen publicly supported Swanepoel's swimwear brand, Tropic of C, by sharing a photo of herself wearing one of its bikinis and thanking her fellow model.

The connection has added another dimension to the reported romance, with commenters wondering how the two women's friendship with Bündchen fits into the picture.

On an Instagram post discussing the reported relationship between Brady and Swanepoel, one commenter asked, "Candice... what would Gisele say 😂" Another commenter suggested, "But Giselle is her girl!" Another said, "Their new faces kinda match."

A third person reacted, "This feels illegal." Someone else asked, "What would Giselle think [sic]." Another commenter joked, "Looking for Gisele everywhere lol." One person remarked, "He has a type."

Another commenter questioned the connection between the models, asking, "She is Gisele[sic] friend, right?" Someone else wrote, "Looking for Gisele everywhere, poor Tom."

Another person commented, "They look like siblings." One commenter offered a different perspective, writing, "Omg. She is literally one of the most stunning women on the planet. He's probably known her for years through Giselle."

The reactions were mixed, with some commenters focusing on the women's connection to Bündchen and others simply expressing surprise at the reported pairing.

On another Instagram post about Brady and Swanepoel, one person commented, "I would be smiling the exact same way 🔥." Another commenter said, "They're beautiful together."

Someone else wrote, "Good for him. She's a lucky girl." However, one person raised the friendship question again, commenting, "She [sic] just broken the sister code... I thought they were real good friends. 😮"

The comments reflect speculation among social media users rather than confirmation of the alleged circumstances behind the rumored fallout.

Brady Previously Said His Personal Life Was Taking a Back Seat

The reported relationship comes after Brady spoke about how difficult it can be to make time for himself while juggling work and family responsibilities. In a January interview with PEOPLE, the retired quarterback discussed his priorities at the Fanatics Studios launch party in Los Angeles.

"You know what? I don't have much time for a personal life or much time for myself, but I love working, and I love my kids," Brady said. He continued, "I like to be busy and try to really stay fulfilled in the things I'm doing, so I'm working on some really cool projects, and I'm involved with some great teams of people that are doing some really positive things."

The father of three also spoke affectionately about his children, initially referring to them as his "little babies at home" before correcting himself. "No, they're not babies anymore."

Brady said his oldest son was thriving and described watching his children grow as one of the most rewarding parts of being a parent. He also praised Benjamin's progress at school and Vivian's volleyball skills. "I'm so blessed in so many parts of my life," he added.

His comments came shortly after he was spotted interacting closely with influencer Alix Earle at a New Year's Eve party in St. Barth's. Videos of their encounter circulated online, fueling speculation about a possible connection.

Brady subsequently shared an Instagram Story featuring a message about inner beauty and how people treat others. He also added three red heart emojis and the song "Let It All Work Out," by Lil Wayne.

The PEOPLE report noted that Brady was expected to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in March, another indication of his continued involvement in projects beyond his former NFL career.

Swanepoel Has Also Kept Her Private Life Out of the Spotlight

Swanepoel has largely kept her romantic life private since her split from Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli in 2018. The former couple had been together for approximately a decade and share two sons, Anacã, 10, and Ariel, 8.

The South African model has instead spoken publicly about the challenge of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. In a 2023 interview with V Magazine, Swanepoel reflected on the importance of making room for her own needs while raising her children.

"Life is a constant search for balance, for me at least, and yes, I do sometimes feel overwhelmed, but I'm very in tune with my children's needs, then my own personal needs, which are also important," she said.

She continued, "Sometimes it's easy to forget. I've realized to be a better mother, I know I need to also take care of myself, whether that be about my [physical] health or mental health or being able to excel in my career and business because it brings me joy. and so my children have begun to understand that too."

The model also explained why she believes her children should see her pursuing her professional ambitions.

"I think it's very healthy and important for them to see everything I do. One of my most vivid memories as a child was seeing my father wake up at 4 a.m. to take care of our farm, and his dedication and drive is something that is now part of me and something I hope they will learn from me."

Her comments offered a glimpse into her priorities outside the runway, although she has not publicly addressed the reported relationship with Brady.

Bündchen Has Moved On, Too

While Brady's reported romance has attracted attention, Bündchen has also entered a new chapter of her personal life. According to PEOPLE's report on her marriage, the Brazilian model privately married jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente on December 3, 2025, in Surfside, Florida.

A source close to Bündchen told the publication that she was enjoying married life and felt that the relationship had made her everyday experiences more meaningful.

"It [marriage] didn't change their day-to-day life in a big way, but it made things feel more meaningful," the source said of the couple. "It was a very special moment for them to celebrate with close family and friends. They'll joke about it and say, 'Now we've been married for two months, now three months.' It's still new, but it already feels like they've built so much together in a short time."

Bündchen and Brady have continued to share parenting responsibilities for their two children since their divorce. Their past relationship remains a frequent subject of public interest, particularly when new dating reports emerge involving either of them.

Brady's Dating History Has Kept Fans Guessing

Since his divorce, Brady has been linked to several high-profile women, although not every rumored connection developed into a confirmed relationship. His reported romance with Russian model Irina Shayk attracted attention in 2023 after the pair were photographed together.

Reports at the time suggested that they were making an effort to see each other despite their busy schedules, but the relationship was later said to have fizzled.

Brady was also linked to Kim Kardashian in 2023, although sources told PEOPLE at the time that nothing romantic had happened between them. Kardashian later addressed questions about their rumored connection during an October 2025 appearance on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast.

When Cooper asked, "You have to tell me, how serious were you and Tom Brady?" Kardashian responded, "Oh my god," before Cooper followed up with, "Like a date?"

"I'm not gonna answer that," Kardashian replied. Brady was also reportedly involved with Tara Reid in 2002. Reid later discussed their brief connection in interviews, while his three-year relationship with Moynahan preceded his marriage to Bündchen.

The reported relationship with Swanepoel therefore adds another high-profile name to a dating history that has repeatedly generated headlines, even as Brady has generally kept the details of his private life under wraps.

For now, the reported relationship between Brady and Swanepoel is supported by accounts from entertainment outlets citing sources, but neither has publicly confirmed the romance.

The claims that Brady previously dated Smalls and that his alleged relationship with Swanepoel contributed to a friendship breakdown remain unverified. Smalls' cryptic social media remarks have fueled speculation, but they do not establish the reason for the rumored fallout. Neither model has publicly provided a detailed account confirming the allegations about the friendship.

The situation has left two separate questions hanging over the story: whether Brady and Swanepoel will eventually address their reported relationship publicly, and whether the speculation surrounding Smalls and Swanepoel will ever be explained.

Until then, the alleged friendship feud remains just that — a rumor, with no confirmed account establishing what happened between the former friends.