Tom Brady has not directly responded to his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen's recent revealing interview, but his cryptic social media post seemed to speak volumes.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, who announced his separation from Bündchen after 13 years of marriage in October 2022, appeared to suggest that some of his former friends may have sided with the supermodel during their split.
On Thursday, just hours after Bündchen's tell-all Vanity Fair cover story was released, Brady shared a cryptic message on Instagram about enduring the "betrayal of false friends."
The quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson began, "What is success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends." Brady added three heart emojis to the post.
Though the timing may have been coincidental, it came shortly after the former Victoria's Secret Angel discussed her side of the story in their divorce, addressing rumors that she had given Brady an ultimatum to retire.
Bündchen told Vanity Fair, "It’s not so black and white," describing the rumors as "very hurtful" and "the craziest thing I've ever heard."
She continued, "Listen, I have always cheered for him, and I would continue forever. If there's one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it's him, believe me." Bündchen expressed her desire for Brady to "achieve and to conquer," and for all his dreams to come true.
Bündchen also emphasized that Brady's career, including his decision to un-retire last year, was not the sole factor in their marriage's breakdown. The 2022 split was "much bigger" than just football, she clarified.