The rumor mill went into overdrive when reports surfaced that Tom Brady is quietly dating longtime model Candice Swanepoel. Social media was quick to accuse Swanepoel of breaking "girl code" by getting involved with her fellow model's ex-husband. But according to insiders, Gisele Bundchen's camp isn't losing any sleep over it.
TMZ reported Tuesday that Bundchen's inner circle sees no betrayal in the budding romance. Sources say the two supermodels have always been "friendly and supportive" of each other through their decades in the fashion industry, but their relationship never blossomed into a close friendship. In fact, they haven't even crossed paths in recent years, making the online accusations seem like a stretch.
"We're told Gisele and Candice have always been friendly and supportive of one another, and naturally crossed paths over the years through their modeling careers, but their relationship never developed into a close friendship," TMZ reported. "Our sources say the two certainly haven't been seen together in recent years, making the online accusations of betrayal a bit of a stretch."
Brady and Swanepoel have been dating since June, according to TMZ, but have kept things under wraps by opting for low-key destinations instead of paparazzi-heavy hotspots. The former NFL quarterback has largely stayed single since his high-profile split from Bundchen, which was finalized during the twilight of his playing days. Aside from the occasional date, he hasn't seemed interested in settling down—until now, perhaps.
Swanepoel, a Victoria's Secret veteran, has been modeling since her teens. She was in a nearly two-decade relationship with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli, getting engaged in 2015 and welcoming two sons before they parted ways in November 2018. At 37, she's still turning heads with her latest swimsuit snaps, much to the delight of her fans.
Bundchen, meanwhile, has moved on in a big way. She married Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente in 2025 and welcomed their first child together that same year. Her focus is clearly on her new family, and she's not interested in rehashing old drama.
For Brady, this new romance marks a shift. After years of bachelorhood, he seems ready to explore something more serious with Swanepoel. Whether it's a fleeting fling or the start of something lasting remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: the internet will be watching every move.
As for the "betrayal" narrative, it appears to be much ado about nothing. In the world of high-profile exes, it seems Gisele is taking the high road—and her friends are right there with her.
