Joan Smalls has allegedly thrown some serious shade at Candice Swanepoel, leaving fans wondering whether the longtime pals have had a falling-out. In an allegedly now-deleted Instagram comment, Smalls reportedly responded to a fan asking whether she was still friends with Swanepoel. "i'm not friends with backstabbers," the model allegedly replied.
The message, which was swiftly deleted, was asked by a fan who wondered about the friendship between the two supermodels. The pointed response has raised eyebrows, especially given how openly the pair once celebrated their friendship.
Fans are now wondering what went down between the fashion favourites, alleging drama with another supermodel or possible relationship drama. Many of their supporters are wondering if this means that their friendship is officially over.
Joan Smalls' Alleged 'Backstabbers' Comment Gets Fans Talking
The alleged exchange did not exactly beat around the bush. Asked about her friendship with Swanepoel, Smalls reportedly responded with a word that suggests a serious breach of trust.
Naturally, the term 'backstabbers' has become the centre of attention, with fans questioning whether the comment was really aimed at Swanepoel. And though it remains unverified by most people on the internet, it did not stop people from talking and creating more theories about the two ladies.
Over on Reddit, fans have started cooking up their own theories about what might have happened between the supermodels. One fan said they would be 'pissed' if the alleged fallout turned out to be over a man, with other commenters joining the discussion to speculate about what could have gone down behind the scenes. The conversation has taken on a life of its own, with users throwing around possible explanations despite no confirmed details about the alleged rift.
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Another commenter brought up Irina Shayk, who has previously been close to both Smalls and Swanepoel. Her name added another layer to the discussion, with fans speculating about whether their wider friendship circle could have any connection to the situation.
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Adding to the chatter are reports that the models have unfollowed each other on Instagram. For fans who remember their seemingly close bond, the reported social media move has only added fuel to the fire. Neither of them have confirmed the fall out directly, but fans are still convinced that something has happened between the two.
From Best Friends to Fashion Campaign Partners
In August 2025, the pair reunited for Anne Klein's Autumn/Winter campaign, which celebrated friendship and women supporting one another. The brand described them as real-life best friends, putting their off-duty bond front and centre.
Smalls spoke warmly about working alongside her best friend, while Swanepoel shared how Smalls had made the first move when they met. She also recalled that Smalls' dancing skills helped win her over.
Their stories painted a picture of two models who shared a connection beyond the runway. Between playful memories and sweet anecdotes, they gave fans a reason to believe their friendship was more than just being colleagues.
That makes the alleged 'backstabbers' remark a heartbreaking plot twist, especially for women they empowered. One minute, the duo were fronting a campaign celebrating friendship; now, fans are questioning whether their bond has hit a rough patch.
What Happened Between Joan Smalls and Candice Swanepoel?
For now, the alleged comment has put a spotlight on a friendship that once seemed to be going strong. Both women have built impressive careers in fashion, appearing in major campaigns and on international runways. Their professional paths have crossed publicly, but what happens in their private lives is another story.
So, is this a case of a friendship quietly fizzling out, or is there more to the story than fans know? Until either model sheds light on the situation, the mystery surrounding the alleged 'backstabbers' remark remains unsolved.
