'That is a lie': Gisele Bundchen sets the record straight while addressing rumors surrounding her split from ex-husband Tom Brady

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Gisele Bundchen has openly addressed the rumors concerning her split from ex-husband Tom Brady and also provided insight into her romance with Joaquim Valente. During an interview with The New York Times to promote her cookbook Nourish, the Brazilian supermodel got candid about how she did not cheat on Brady, 46, before the pair’s divorce in 2022.

“That is a lie,” Bundchen told the outlet, addressing the accusations that she started a romance with her jiu-jitsu trainer Valente prior to ending things with the retired NFL star. “I really don’t want to make my life a tabloid,” she said of the allegations, adding “I don’t want to open myself up to all of that.” 

Gisele Bundchen opens up on the harsh criticism she faced after the breakup

Bundchen also acknowledged the unfair criticism she faced during the interview after she and Brady ended their relationship. “This is something that happens to a lot of women who get blamed when they have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and are labeled as being unfaithful,” she explained, adding “They have to deal with their communities. They have to deal with their family."

"Of course for me, it just happens to be a little bit amplified," Bundchen added. Speaking further about her relationships, she noted, “No one really knows what happens between two people, only the two people in the relationship.”

Gisele Bundchen on her latest relationship

As for her latest relationship, Bundchen told the Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." "It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent," she continued.

Bundchen and Brady filed for divorce on October 28, 2022, after 13 years of marriage. On the same day, the court declared their marriage as dissolved and "irretrievably broken." The duo first came across each other in December 2006 on a blind date set up by mutual friends. They share two children, son Benjamin, 13, and daughter Vivian, 10.

Gisele Bundchen previously spoke about her emotional split with Tom Brady

Bundchen discussed her split in an emotional sitdown interview with Robin Roberts earlier this month. During the interview, she said, "I think there are easier days than others, but I think it’s amazing that the kids … they’re super smart children. They know what they can get away with. So I think it’s natural that [our houses] have different rules and then kids just adapt."

"And they’re going to try to do what they want. And I can only control what I do. And I think for me, now is really about the balance," the supermodel added.

When asked by Roberts, 63, if she'll be able to "open up your heart again to someone,"  Bundchen shrugged, then replied with a small smile, "Where my heart is now is where I am right now. I’m living my truth, and I’m not apologizing for it.”