Joan Smalls took to Instagram Tuesday with a pointed message about accountability, hinting at a significant rift with her longtime friend Candice Swanepoel over Tom Brady. The post, which Smalls appeared to re-post from another creator, read: "This Halloween, I’m dressing up as accountability. Apparently, that’s the scariest f–king thing some people can face."
The timing of the post coincided with Page Six exclusively reporting that Smalls is reportedly furious after learning that Swanepoel is dating Brady. Smalls herself had a past relationship with the NFL star, though a source indicated it was not serious.
Sources told Page Six that Swanepoel had encouraged Smalls to end her relationship with Brady while they were dating. Now, Smalls is reportedly telling mutual friends to choose sides and has allegedly referred to Swanepoel as a "backstabber" in since-deleted social media comments. In another deleted message, Smalls referenced "girl code" and expressed frustration over "disrespect and carelessness."
Smalls also made a reference to the Bravo show "Summer House," which featured a storyline where a friendship fractured when one friend began dating the other's ex. She lamented that "some people lack humility and moral compass" and criticized the "gaslight, lie and minimize your feelings" in her deleted comments.
Despite the reported tension, sources indicate that Swanepoel's relationship with Brady is ongoing. The seven-time Super Bowl champion and Swanepoel have reportedly been dating "for months" after being introduced by a mutual acquaintance. A representative for Swanepoel stated that she has "always been exceptionally private about her personal life" and that she "will always respect" her friendship with Smalls.
Page Six has reached out to representatives for Smalls, Brady, and Swanepoel for comment.