Joan Smalls has reportedly accused Candice Swanepoel of betrayal after fans questioned the breakdown of the Victoria's Secret models' longtime friendship. Alleged Instagram comments attributed to Smalls have circulated online. One of them reportedly described herself as no longer friends with 'backstabbers'.
The remarks emerged after fans noticed that the models no longer appeared to follow each other on social media. They also did not pose together at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Both women walked in the event, held in Los Angeles on Sunday, 18 October, but their apparent distance prompted questions about their relationship.
The speculation fuelled online discussion, with users debating the alleged comments and wondering what could have happened between the models. Neither model has publicly confirmed the reason for the reported falling-out.
Joan Smalls' Alleged Comments Fuel Speculation
Screenshots circulating online appear to show Smalls responding to questions about her friendship with Swanepoel. In one alleged exchange, she reportedly wrote that she was not friends with 'backstabbers'. A second, longer comment attributed to her described a breakdown in trust after 15 years of friendship, alleging she did not receive an apology and calling the other person's behaviour disrespectful.
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The wording has fuelled speculation that the models' apparent estrangement involves a personal dispute rather than a gradual separation. Just Jared reported on 22 October that it could not verify whether Smalls definitely wrote the comments before they disappeared from social media. Smalls also appeared to acknowledge at least some of the discussion when she responded to a separate comment thread in which someone asked whether she and Swanepoel were still friends.
The phrase 'girl code' has become central to the online discussion as it suggests a perceived breach of trust between friends. The precise circumstances behind the alleged betrayal remain unknown, and suggestions in Reddit comments about what might have happened are still speculation.
A Friendship Once Celebrated by the Fashion Industry
The rumours have drawn attention partly because Smalls and Swanepoel previously spoke warmly about their relationship. The two models were presented as real-life best friends in an Anne Klein campaign for the brand's autumn/winter 2025 collection, which celebrated women supporting one another while balancing careers and personal ambitions.
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In the campaign announcement, Anne Klein's parent company, WHP Global, described their bond as an authentic part of the project. Smalls said working on the campaign alongside her best friend made the experience more meaningful. Swanepoel also recalled that Smalls made the first move when they first met.
The campaign now offers a striking contrast with the current online speculation. However, it was released in 2025 and does not establish the state of their relationship in October 2026 or indicate when any reported disagreement began.
Both models have longstanding connections to Victoria's Secret. Swanepoel became one of the brand's best-known Angels, while Smalls has also appeared in multiple editions of its fashion show. Their shared professional history has helped make the apparent change in their friendship a talking point among fashion followers.
At present, fans have pointed to the apparent unfollowing on social media, their lack of photos together at the recent fashion show, and screenshots attributed to Smalls. Neither Smalls nor Swanepoel has publicly provided a full account of what happened.
