Gisele Bundchen Sets the Record Straight: Unpacking Post-Divorce Dating Rumors and Her New Chapter

In an eagerly anticipated interview featured in a new Vanity Fair cover story, published on Wednesday, March 22, supermodel Gisele Bundchen addressed the flurry of romantic speculation surrounding her life after her highly publicized divorce from NFL superstar Tom Brady. The 42-year-old opened up candidly, directly confronting widespread rumors linking her to jiujitsu instructor Joaquim Valente and real estate mogul Jeffrey Soffer. With an air of calm and newfound clarity, Bundchen emphatically denied both sets of allegations, while offering insight into the deep bonds she shares with her children and the profound journey of rebuilding her life amidst intense public scrutiny.

The media frenzy following Bundchen’s divorce from Brady had placed her every move under a magnifying glass, inevitably leading to unfounded speculation about her personal life. Among the most persistent rumors were those connecting her romantically with Joaquim Valente, her family’s jiujitsu instructor. Gisele, however, clarified the nature of their relationship, emphasizing the significant role Valente and his brothers play in her and her children’s lives. She revealed that she, along with her children, Benjamin, 13, and Vivian, 10, have all enthusiastically embraced jiujitsu, a martial art that has brought discipline, focus, and a sense of community into their routines.

Gisele explained that it is not uncommon for Joaquim, or his brothers Pedro and Gui, who are also skilled martial arts instructors, to travel with them for extended periods. This arrangement, she detailed, is primarily for the continuity of her and her children’s jiujitsu training, often involving retreats or intensive sessions. This practical explanation directly addresses and debunks the visual evidence that had fueled much of the dating speculation, providing context for the many occasions she had been seen out and about with Valente. Their shared passion for the martial art and the Valente brothers’ professional commitment to their students naturally leads to them spending significant time together, purely within the bounds of their instructor-student relationship.

The supermodel spoke glowingly about the Valente brothers, describing them as “awesome” and expressing immense gratitude for their presence in her family’s life. “I’m so grateful to know all of them, because not only have they helped me and helped my kids, but they have become great friends, and Joaquim especially,” she shared with Vanity Fair. Her words painted a picture of deep admiration and professional respect, highlighting Joaquim’s role not just as a teacher but as a trusted individual. “He’s our teacher and, most importantly, he’s a person that I admire and that I trust. It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that type of energy.” This sentiment underscores the value she places on positive influences for her children, particularly in a period of significant life transition.

Despite her heartfelt admiration and the profound trust she places in Joaquim Valente, Gisele remained firm in her denial of any romantic entanglement. She posited that the rampant speculation was an unfortunate byproduct of her recent divorce, a common narrative often constructed around public figures navigating new phases of life. “I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that they’re going to try to attach me to anything,” she articulated, pointing to the often-intrusive nature of celebrity media and the tendency to create narratives, even without factual basis. This statement reflects a broader frustration with the persistent pressure on celebrities, particularly women, to be romantically linked to someone after a high-profile separation.

Beyond the rumors involving Valente, Bundchen also took the opportunity to address separate allegations that she had been spending time with real estate mogul Jeffrey Soffer. These rumors were particularly notable given Soffer’s well-known friendship with her ex-husband, Tom Brady. Gisele was unequivocal in her denial, clarifying that any connection Soffer had was strictly with Tom, not with her. “I have zero relationship with him in any way,” she asserted, dismissing the claims outright. She expressed visible exasperation at the insinuation, especially the reductive and ageist undertones often accompanying such reports. “They were saying I’m with this guy, he’s old, because he’s got money—it’s ridiculous.” Her comments highlight the frustrating and often baseless nature of celebrity gossip, where motivations and relationships are frequently misconstrued for sensationalism.

The interview served as a powerful platform for Gisele to reclaim her narrative and dispel numerous misconceptions that had circulated since her divorce. In another significant clarification, she also debunked widespread rumors that her split from Tom Brady was a direct result of his decision to un-retire from the NFL. This particular rumor had been a dominant narrative in the media, suggesting a fundamental disagreement over lifestyle priorities. By addressing it directly, Gisele provided a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of their separation, moving beyond simplistic explanations.

Reflecting on the emotional toll these persistent, false reports have taken, Gisele shared her profound disappointment and hurt. “Seeing lies being created all the time about yourself is not easy,” she explained. This statement resonates deeply, offering a glimpse into the emotional resilience required to navigate a life under constant public scrutiny, especially when personal truths are distorted. For a global icon who has consistently prioritized authenticity and well-being, the propagation of fabricated stories about her personal relationships is not merely an inconvenience but a source of genuine distress.

This candid conversation with Vanity Fair marks a pivotal moment for Gisele Bundchen, signaling her readiness to openly define her own reality after a period of immense personal change. Her decision to speak out is an act of empowerment, demonstrating a clear intent to control her narrative and offer clarity directly to her fans and the public. She is not merely denying rumors; she is actively shaping the understanding of her post-divorce life, one that is focused on her children, her personal growth, and navigating her new chapter with integrity and strength. By shedding light on the positive influences in her life, like the discipline of jiujitsu and the trusted instructors who guide her family, Gisele paints a picture of a woman focused on well-being and authenticity, rather than succumbing to the pressures of sensationalized headlines.

The interview also highlights the broader challenges faced by celebrities in the digital age, where speculation can quickly morph into perceived fact. Gisele’s experience underscores the importance of credible journalism and the responsibility of public figures to speak their truth when necessary. Her journey post-divorce is one of rebuilding, recalibrating, and refocusing on what truly matters to her and her family. It’s a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to living an authentic life, free from the constraints of manufactured narratives and gossip. As she moves forward, Gisele Bundchen continues to inspire as a woman who embraces change, prioritizes her family, and stands firm in her own truth.