For years, Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls appeared to have the kind of friendship that could survive just about anything, including the notoriously competitive fashion industry. But now, the longtime friends are at the center of an alleged celebrity feud, and the rumors involve a surprising name: Tom Brady.
What started with fans noticing that the supermodels were no longer following each other on Instagram has turned into a much bigger story involving accusations of betrayal, mysterious social media comments, and speculation about a romantic connection.
© GC ImagesThe timing is especially interesting. Both women recently appeared at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, yet fans noticed something unusual: There were no photos of the former besties posing together.
So, what happened between Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls? And how did a retired NFL quarterback allegedly become part of the drama?
Here's everything we know so far.
Why Are Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls Allegedly Feuding?
The friendship drama gained attention following the October 18, 2026, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles. Swanepoel and Smalls both walked the runway, but unlike previous appearances, the models weren't photographed together at the event.
That alone might not have raised many eyebrows. After all, a busy fashion show isn't exactly the easiest place to catch up with friends.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrHowever, fans also noticed that the two women appeared to have unfollowed each other on Instagram.
According to Just Jared, social media users began questioning whether the former best friends had experienced a falling-out. Screenshots of alleged comments attributed to Smalls soon circulated online, making the situation even more intriguing.
Did Joan Smalls Call Candice Swanepoel a Backstabber?
One of the biggest developments came when screenshots circulated showing what appeared to be Smalls responding to a fan who asked whether she was still friends with Swanepoel.
The alleged response was short but pointed: "I'm not friends with backstabbers."
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Another alleged comment referenced a lack of girl code, disrespect, dishonesty, and the pain of losing a friendship after 15 years. The message also suggested that the person responsible had not apologized and that reconciliation was unlikely.
If authentic, the comments would suggest that this was more than a casual disagreement between two friends. Just Jared reported that it could not independently verify the screenshots before the alleged comments disappeared.
Still, another comment brought fresh attention to the story.
What Did Joan Smalls Mean by Her 'Summer House' Comment?
On October 23, Just Jared reported that Smalls had responded to its Instagram coverage of the alleged feud with a cryptic message: "Two words: SUMMER HOUSE!"
© Getty Images for amfARThe reference immediately inspired theories about the possible reason behind the friendship breakdown. Fans connected the remark to the Bravo reality series Summer House, particularly the friendship fallout involving Ciara Miller, Amanda Batula and West Wilson.
That controversy involved romantic complications and accusations of betrayal between friends. Naturally, social media users began wondering whether Smalls was suggesting that a similar situation had unfolded in her own friendship.
But the model's reported comment did not name Swanepoel, Brady, or any specific romantic incident.
Is Tom Brady the Reason Behind the Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls Drama?
This is where the story takes an unexpected turn. According to reports published by Page Six and People, Brady and Swanepoel have been romantically linked.
© Getty ImagesPeople reported that a source said the former NFL star and the South African supermodel had been dating for several months and spending time together in Miami, where both live. Another source suggested that the pair had been keeping their relationship relatively private.
Meanwhile, Page Six reported that Brady and Smalls had previously dated on and off for approximately a year.
The Unverified Tom Brady Love Triangle Rumor
Celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi received an anonymous tip suggesting that Smalls had previously been involved with Brady. According to the unverified account, Swanepoel allegedly cautioned her friend to consider the feelings of Brady's former wife, Gisele Bündchen, before reportedly becoming romantically involved with Brady herself.
The tip also included claims about the timeline of Brady and Swanepoel's relationship.
Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls Were Friends for More Than a Decade
Part of what makes the alleged feud surprising is just how close the models appeared to be. Swanepoel and Smalls have shared numerous runway moments throughout their careers, particularly through their association with Victoria's Secret.
Their friendship also extended beyond the runway. In April 2025, Smalls participated in a swimwear campaign involving Swanepoel's brand, Tropic of C, and Victoria's Secret. The collaboration highlighted their longstanding personal and professional connection.
© Getty Images for Stuart WeitzmanJust months later, the pair starred together in Anne Klein's Fall 2025 campaign, which celebrated their friendship.
During the promotion, Smalls reportedly referred to Swanepoel as her best friend.
Has Candice Swanepoel Responded to Joan Smalls' Alleged Comments?
As of October 27, 2026, Swanepoel has not publicly addressed the alleged feud or responded to the accusations circulating online in the reports reviewed. Smalls has also not directly explained whether Brady played any role in the reported breakdown of their friendship.
Page Six reported on October 26 that representatives for both models had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
