Tom Brady's camp asks why jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente was on Gisele Bundchen's Costa Rica trip
PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA: Gisele Bundchen was seen on a Costa Rica trip along with her son Benjamin, 12, and daughter Vivian, 9, and jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente on Saturday, November 12. The duo was also accompanied by the Miami-based teacher's co-trainer Jordan as they reportedly grabbed a bite to eat at Koji in Provincia de Puntarenas.
The outing has raised the eyebrows of those close to her ex-husband Tom Brady, with some questioning why Valente is on Bundchen's trip with her children, as per the NY Post. The exclusive photos of the pair together obtained by Page Six have sparked romance rumors between the two shortly after Gisele's separation from her husband of 13 years.
READ MORE
Gisele Bundchen secretly bought $1.25M home in Miami MONTHS BEFORE divorce from Tom Brady
Gisele Bündchen enjoys Costa Rica dinner date with new man Joaquim Valente: pics https://t.co/YQrbKLui4H pic.twitter.com/8Xh8KGt6od
— Page Six (@PageSix) November 14, 2022
A source connected to the former Victoria's Secret model informed the outlet that she is not in a relationship with Valente and pointed out his brother was on the trip too. However, a 'trusted' source told TMZ that Brady's camp is finding it suspicious, saying, "Why this Miami guy is in Costa Rica with her?" "It always seemed weird she just one day abruptly ended the marriage," the source added.
While Brazilian gossip site Purepeople claims that the pair are dating, an insider told Page Six that the rumors are untrue. "Joaquim and his two brothers have instructed Gisele and the children in martial arts for the past year and a half," the source said. They also added that the duo’s connection is "strictly platonic and professional." "Jordan and Joaquim travel with the family when they’re out of town because the kids are homeschooled," another insider confirmed.
Bundchen has reportedly known Valente for at least a year and a half. The model called the trainers "awesome teachers" earlier this year in an Instagram post on February 23. "I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox the better. I feel stronger, more confidence and empowered since I started practicing self-defense. I feel it’s an important skill for all, but specially for us women. Thank you @ValenteBrothers for being awesome teachers and for making training so much fun. I am looking forward to keep improving. Let’s go!" she captioned the post, in addition to a video of her taking the self-defense lessons. Brady responded to the video via Twitter at the time, saying, "My days of leaving dishes in the sink are numbered."
Tom Brady reacted to his wife's vid, saying: "My days of leaving dishes in the sink are numbered ..." 🤣https://t.co/YzZPoFlCb7
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 24, 2022
The former couple announced their split in October on their social media. While Bundchen called their children her "priority," the NFL player wrote, "We arrived at this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time spent together. We will continue to work together as parents."