The supermodel Gisele Bündchen has finally confirmed that the rumors that she is dating her jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente are true after denying that she cheated on her former NFL star ex-husband Tom Brady.
Bündchen Confirms Romance – Denies Cheating
“This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first,” said Bündchen, 43, according to Daily Mail. “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.”
When asked about claims that she cheated on Brady, 46, before their 2022 divorce, Bündchen replied, “that is a lie.”
Bündchen went on to suggest that sexism could be at play here, as she believes that women are often hit with more hardships in breakups than their male partners.
“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. “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.”
Related: Gisele Bündchen Bursts Into Tears Discussing Tom Brady Divorce – ‘I’m Not Apologizing For It’
Bündchen Gushes Over Valente
Bündchen previously discussed Valente, 35, in an interview with Vanity Fair in April of last year.
“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 said at the time.
“He’s our teacher and, most importantly, he’s a person that I admire and that I trust,” she added. “It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that type of energy.”
While Bündchen has remained quiet about Valente until now, sources have claimed that they have been dating since June of last year.
“They’re taking it slow,” a source told People Magazine last month. “They started out as great friends first. She’s very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”
“They started out as friends,” a second insider added. “He was a huge comfort for Gisele while she went through her divorce. Their friendship turned romantic after the divorce.”
This source went on to gush about Valente, saying that he “is a great guy. He is down to earth, kind, and inspiring. Gisele was hesitant about dating after the divorce. It’s been very natural for her to date Joaquim.”
Related: Here’s The Real Reason Tom Brady Didn’t Want To Divorce Gisele Bündchen
Bündchen ‘Loves That He Is Brazilian’
Bündchen also reportedly “loves that he is Brazilian” just like she is.
“They come from similar backgrounds,” the insider explained. “They both left Brazil very young. They have both created amazing lives for themselves in the U.S. They both love Miami, but also enjoy traveling. They both enjoy healthy living. Gisele’s in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her.”
In November of 2022, just one month after Bündchen and Brady divorced, close friends of hers denied that she was dating Valente.
“He’s been her kids’ jiu-jitsu teacher for years,” one insider told The Mail. “There’s no truth to the rumors that they’re dating.”
Since then, Bündchen and Valente have been spotted together many times, so it’s no surprise that she’s finally confirmed that they are in fact an item. Meanwhile, Brady has yet to comment publicly on the relationship.
