A few days ago, supermodel Joan Smalls left a cryptic comment on Just Jared’s Instagram that confirmed what many had already suspected: the angels are at war.
When Smalls and her bestie, Candice Swanepoel, weren’t pictured together backstage at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, or even seen interacting, it felt as though something was brewing.
Typically thick as thieves, the pair’s distance didn’t go unnoticed, with netizens flocking to the comments sections of their Instagram posts to ask whether something was up between the fashion industry heavyweights.
The apparent tension arrived amid reports that Swanepoel is dating NFL alum Tom Brady, alongside DeuxMoi’s claim that Smalls had unfollowed her on Instagram.
Then, following the DeuxMoi rumour, Smalls weighed in on Just Jared‘s Instagram post about the alleged fallout between the two women.
“Two words: SUMMER HOUSE! That’ll explain everything,” she commented, seemingly drawing a parallel with the implosion of Ciara Miller and Amanda Batula’s friendship after Batula began dating Miller’s ex, West Wilson.
And if that wasn’t enough to set the rumour mill alight, screenshots have since circulated of comments Smalls allegedly posted and later deleted, including one in which she reportedly responded to a question about whether she and Candice were still friends with: “I’m not friends with backstabbers.”
Two days ago, Smalls also shared a carousel of black-and-white photos on Instagram, captioned “vive tu verdad”, or “live your truth”. The final slide featured a quote that really drove the message home: “Living your naked truth will always distress those living well-dressed lies.”
Today, a representative for Swanepoel attempted to quash the drama, telling Us Weekly in a statement: “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.”
Smalls, meanwhile, isn’t finished, stoking the flames by reposting a pointed Instagram Story that read: “This Halloween, I’m dressing up as accountability. Apparently that’s the scariest fu-ing thing some people can face.”
In case it wasn’t already abundantly clear, Joan seemingly has a bone to pick with Candice. So, what exactly is the connection between Candice, Tom Brady and Joan? Ahead, we unpack the love triangle rumours surrounding the trio.
Are Candice Swanepoel & Tom Brady Dating?
Following the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Us Weekly first reported that Swanepoel and Brady had been dating “for a while”.
People soon followed suit, with a source telling the publication, “They’ve been dating for a while now,” adding, “They both live in Miami, so it’s very convenient. They’re spending a lot of time together.”
A second source offered further insight, telling 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.”
Neither Swanepoel nor Brady has publicly commented on the reported romance or their secret rendezvous.
Brady has been linked to several high-profile names since his 2022 divorce from Victoria’s Secret Angel and supermodel Gisele Bündchen, including influencer Alix Earle and fellow VS Angel Irina Shayk.
Swanepoel, meanwhile, was previously in a long-term relationship with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. The pair were together for around 14 years and became engaged before splitting three years later in 2018.
So, Were Joan Smalls & Tom Brady Dating?
According to Us Weekly, Joan Smalls and Tom Brady had a casual, on-and-off relationship between 2023 and 2024.
“Joan and Tom were seeing each other on and off for about a year between 2023 and 2024. It was never anything super serious, but they were hooking up for a while and still kept in touch afterward,” a source told the publication.
The source also noted Smalls’ longstanding friendship with Swanepoel, saying, “Candice and Joan had been best friends for years. They basically came up together in the modeling world and through Victoria’s Secret, so they had a really close bond and a long history together.”
But according to Page Six, Swanepoel encouraged Smalls to break things off with Brady while the pair were dating, leaving Joan confused at Candice’s change of heart when it came to Brady.
If her social media activity is any inclination, it appears the fledgling romance between Joan’s (potentially former) friend Candice and Tom has left her feeling blindsided.
