Backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, organizers reportedly made sure models Joan Smalls and Candice Swanepoel never crossed paths, according to a source. The arrangement came amid a reported falling-out between the two, who had been close friends for 15 years.
“Everyone on the team knew in advance that they had a falling out and that Joan would not go near her,” the source said. “Thats why you won’t find one photo of them together at the show.”
The rift became public days after the show when Smalls called Swanepoel a “backstabber” in an online comment, obtained by DeuxMoi, after a fan asked whether the two were still friends.
According to the source, the tension traces back to Smalls’ relationship with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The two reportedly met at Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July party in 2024 but did not begin dating until roughly six months later, dating “casually on and off for almost a full year,” the source said.
The source said Swanepoel had repeatedly encouraged Smalls to end the relationship with Brady, who was previously married to fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel Gisele Bündchen, and that Swanepoel comforted Smalls when the relationship fell apart. Smalls was reportedly upset after Brady was seen with influencer Alix Earle at a St. Barts party ringing in 2026.
“Joan was hurt when she saw all the rumors,” the source said. “She was sad and confiding in Candice about being hurt.”
The situation reportedly worsened after Swanepoel met Brady through a contact in the fashion industry. The two have been together since May, according to a source, who said Bündchen is happy for the new couple.
Smalls has since urged friends to “pick a side,” according to a source. “It’s just so insane and so messy,” the source said.
Smalls also referenced the Bravo reality series “Summer House” in an online comment about the drama, writing, “Two words: ‘SUMMER HOUSE!’ That’ll explain everything.” The show’s most recent season depicted a friendship breakdown between cast members Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller after Batula began secretly dating Miller’s ex, West Wilson.
In a separate, now-deleted post captured by DeuxMoi, Smalls wrote there “was no girl code.”
“And the disrespect and carelessness in how they treat you is so unimaginable. There’s no going back. Some people lack humility and moral compass. And the way they gaslight, lie and minimize your feelings is the worst slap in the face after 15yrs or friendship. Not a sorry said or written. Onwards and upwards!!!”
Amanda Ruisi, a representative for Swanepoel, said in a previous 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.”
Swanepoel shares two sons with her ex-fiance, Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. Brady has two children with Bündchen and a son with his ex-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan. Smalls has no children.
Representatives for Victoria’s Secret, Smalls and Swanepoel did not respond to requests for comment.
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