Exclusive: Brady sparks heated model feud between Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls, leaving friends forced to choose sides

Friendship strained by Brady

A source says Joan Smalls is angry that her former close friend Candice Swanepoel is now with Tom Brady, whom Smalls once dated. The source also says Smalls has given mutual friends an ultimatum to choose between the two women.

The women were described as “inseparable” for 15 years. The source says that while Smalls was dating Brady, Swanepoel repeatedly encouraged her to end the relationship.

Smalls posts public criticism

Smalls appeared to take public shots at Swanepoel as the reported relationship became a topic of discussion. In a comment about the situation, she wrote, “Two words: ‘SUMMER HOUSE!’” In screenshots obtained by DeuxMoi, Smalls called Swanepoel a “backstabber” in response to a fan asking whether they were still friends. In another message, later deleted, Smalls wrote that there “was no girl code” and criticized what she described as disrespect and dishonesty after 15 years of friendship.

Swanepoel representative responds

Amanda Ruisi, a representative for Swanepoel, said Swanepoel keeps her personal life private and is focused on raising her children. Ruisi added that Swanepoel respects her longstanding history and friendship with Smalls.

Swanepoel shares two sons with her former fiancé, Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. Page Six said it had contacted representatives for Smalls and Brady but had not received a response.

Reports differ on past dating

DeuxMoi previously reported that Smalls and Brady dated on and off for about a year. A Page Six source, however, said the pair were never really serious. Sources told Page Six that Brady and Swanepoel have been together for months, beginning in May after mutual friends introduced them. The report also said Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, is happy for the new couple.