In 2023, a bizarre online theory captivated social media, but its target wasn't a scandal or a secret. Instead, netizens were busy trying to label Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen as a witch. This strange rumor gained momentum not from her runway career or her high-profile divorce from NFL legend Tom Brady, but from the couple's own revelations about her deep spiritual practices.
How Tom Brady's Confession Sparked the Witch Theory
The seeds of this viral theory were planted years before the couple's 2022 divorce. Tom Brady himself had openly discussed his wife's unique pre-game rituals. He admitted that Bündchen would create a special "altar" for him before games, complete with "healing stones" (crystals) and handwritten mantras. Brady's famous quote, "I stopped questioning her a long time ago. I just shut up and listen," only added fuel to the growing fascination.
This information found a perfect breeding ground on TikTok, particularly within the #WitchTok community. Users began half-jokingly crediting Bündchen's spiritual work for Brady's incredible success on the football field, suggesting her rituals were a form of powerful magic. The rumor lay dormant for a while but exploded back into the spotlight following their divorce, with people re-examining her role through a new, sensational lens.
Gisele Bündchen's Unapologetic Response in Vanity Fair
When the witch accusations resurfaced, Bündchen had a choice: to deny or to define. In a candid 2023 Vanity Fair cover story, interviewed from her Costa Rican home surrounded by crystals, tarot cards, and spiritual texts, she chose the latter. She did not distance herself from the practices but embraced her beliefs with clarity and humour.
She explained that her rituals were rooted in energy, nature, and intention, not in casting spells. "If you want to call me a witch because I love astrology, I love crystals, I pray, I believe in the power of nature, then go ahead," she stated. With a playful smile, she added that if she had to be labeled, she preferred to be known as "a witch of love."
Bündchen even recalled a lighthearted moment from 2019, after one of Brady's Super Bowl victories, where she teased him, "You're lucky you married a witch, I'm just a good witch." This anecdote highlighted how their private understanding was far removed from the internet's speculative frenzy.
The Bigger Lesson: Authenticity in a Sensationalist Culture
This entire episode serves as a clear mirror to modern celebrity culture, which often twists personal spirituality into a public spectacle. However, Gisele Bündchen's graceful and firm stance provided a masterclass in remaining true to oneself. She reframed the narrative from one of superstition to one of sincere belief.
Her response made it evident that no external label could shake her foundation. She would continue to draw strength and peace from her connection to the natural world, her spiritual practices, and a core belief in love. The headlines may have screamed "witch," but Bündchen's message was ultimately about unapologetic authenticity and personal power.
