Gisele Bundchen CONFIRMS new romance amid rumors she’s dating jiu-jitsu pro Joaquim Valente…  after denying she cheated on Tom Brady: ‘I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first’

Gisele Bundchen confirmed she’s dating again amid her rumored romance with jiu-jitsu pro Joaquim Valente.

The 43-year-old supermodel divulged details about her new relationship for the first time in a candid interview with The New York Times, published on Saturday.

‘This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first,’ she admitted, without naming her new partner. ‘It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.’

She also denied cheating on ex-husband Tom Brady before their 2022 divorce. 

‘That is a lie,’ she told the outlet.

Gisele talked about her new relationship = amid her rumored romance with jiu-jitsu pro Joaquim Valente, Joaquim pictured

Though she refutes the rumors, the Brazilian beauty hinted that they may arise from sexism, implying that women often face more hardships during 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,’ . Bundchen told the outlet. 

‘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.’

Gisele has previously spoken about the speculation surrounding her and Joaquim, sharing in an April 2023 cover interview with Vanity Fair: ‘I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that they’re going to try to attach me to anything.’

‘He’s our teacher and, most importantly, he’s a person that I admire and that I trust,’ she added at the time. 

‘It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that type of energy.’

Despite keeping their romance under wraps for months, Gisele and Joaquim chose Valentine’s Day to publicly display their affection, as they were captured in a passionate kiss outside her Miami residence.

Prior to that, the duo were frequently spotted together, often enjoying trips to Costa Rica.

The 43-year-old supermodel divulged details about her new relationship for the first time in a candid interview with The New York Times , published on Saturday; Gisele and Joaquim pictured

‘This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first,’ she admitted, without naming her new partner. ‘It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent’

She also denied cheating on ex-husband Tom Brady before their 2022 divorce . ‘That is a lie,’ she told the outlet; pictured on Thursday

In November 2022, when they were initially rumored to be dating, some of Gisele’s close friends denied any romantic involvement between her and Joaquim. 

‘He’s been her kids’ jiu-jitsu teacher for years,’ one insider told DailyMail.com. ‘There’s no truth to the rumors that they’re dating.’

Gisele broke down in tears earlier this month as she lifted the lid on life after divorce from Tom during an extremely candid sit-down interview with Robin Roberts. 

During the conversation at her luxurious Miami ranch, the model became emotional as she discussed her divorce, sharing insights into co-parenting their two children with her ex-partner and expressing her aspirations of ‘opening her heart’ once more. 

Gisele and Tom tied the knot in February 2009 and welcomed two children into the world together – Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. 

After weeks of speculation about the state of their marriage, Gisele and Tom  officially announced their split on October 28, 2022.

Brady declared his retirement from the NFL in February of that same year, only to reverse course 40 days later.

Reports suggested that Bundchen was furious over Brady’s unexpected decision to come out of retirement, especially considering he had initially stepped away from football to prioritize family time.

Gisele and Tom tied the knot in February 2009 and split in October 2022; pictured in 2019

Tom Brady and Gisele share two children, son Benjamin, 14, and daughter Vivian, 11

However, according to a source speaking to DailyMail.com at the time of their separation, Brady’s decision to return to football did not influence their split.

Brady officially retired from professional football for the second time in February of last year, marking the end of his remarkable 23-season career.

Describing the divorce as a ‘difficult’ and ‘painful’ choice reached after much deliberation, the future Hall of Famer emphasized that both he and Bundchen would continue to co-parent their two children.

Additionally, Tom shares a third son, Jack, 15, with his ex Bridget Moynahan.

Earlier this month, a source informed DailyMail.com that Brady harbors no animosity towards Valente, who was initially photographed vacationing with Bundchen in Costa Rica just two weeks after the divorce was finalized.

Meanwhile, Brady has been seen with new companions, including Irina Shayk, a former Victoria’s Secret model and Bundchen’s colleague.

Rumors suggest that the Russian-born supermodel, who has previously been romantically linked with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and actor Bradley Cooper, is currently in an on-and-off relationship with the retired NFL star.