Tom Brady's reported new romance has attracted an unexpected controversy, with Candice Swanepoel facing criticism for dating the former NFL quarterback because of her professional connection to his ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen.
However, the suggestion that Swanepoel has betrayed a close friend appears to be based on a misunderstanding of the relationship between the two supermodels.
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According to TMZ, sources familiar with the situation say Bundchen doesn't believe Swanepoel has broken any unwritten rules about dating a friend's former partner.
The explanation is straightforward as although the women have known each other for years and worked within the same fashion circles, they were never particularly close.
The report offers a different perspective on a romance that has generated considerable interest since details of Brady and Swanepoel's relationship emerged.
Bundchen and Swanepoel share a connection through Victoria's Secret, where both established themselves as internationally recognized models.
Their careers brought them into contact at industry events and professional engagements, creating the impression that they belonged to the same close social circle.
However, TMZ reports that their relationship never developed beyond a friendly professional association.
Sources described the women as supportive of one another throughout their careers but said they had not been seen spending time together in recent years.
That distinction is central to Bundchen's reported position on the relationship.
While some social media users have accused Swanepoel of violating "girl code," those familiar with the situation say Bundchen doesn't consider the romance a betrayal.
The Brazilian model hasn't personally issued a public statement addressing the controversy, with her reported feelings instead coming from unnamed sources.
Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel dating since June
The relationship between Brady, 49, and Swanepoel, 38, reportedly began in June, although the pair managed to keep their romance largely private for several months.
According to TMZ, they have preferred spending time at quieter locations near Indian Creek in Miami rather than visiting popular celebrity destinations.
Their approach has allowed them to develop their relationship without attracting the level of attention typically associated with Brady's personal life.
Neither has publicly discussed the romance in detail, leaving much of the information surrounding their relationship to emerge through reports from sources.
Gisele has built a new life since Brady divorce
Brady and Bundchen finalized their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage, bringing an end to one of the most recognizable relationships in American sports.
They share two children, Benjamin and Vivian, while Brady also has an older son, Jack, from his previous relationship with Bridget Moynahan.
Bundchen has since moved forward with her own personal life, marrying jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente in 2025 after welcoming their first child together earlier that year.
Her reported reaction to Brady's new relationship suggests that the former couple are continuing to pursue separate lives without becoming involved in each other's romantic decisions.
Despite the speculation surrounding Swanepoel's connection to Bundchen, there's no indication that the two women have experienced a personal falling-out.
The controversy appears to have developed largely from assumptions about a friendship that, according to those familiar with the situation, was never especially close.