ST. BARTS — The year 2026 has officially arrived, and it has brought with it one of the most unexpected celebrity pairings in recent memory. In the early hours of January 1, 2026, the internet erupted as footage began circulating of seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, 48, and social media powerhouse Alix Earle, 25, welcoming the New Year together at an ultra-exclusive party in St. Barts.
For fans of the “Hot Mess” podcast host and the legendary NFL quarterback, the sight of the two “cozying up” was the ultimate New Year’s shocker. The rumors come on the heels of Earle’s mutual split from Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios in December 2025, leading many to wonder if Earle has moved on to the “GOAT” of the football world.
The St. Barts Incident: Whispers, Dancing, and Viral Videos
The rumors aren’t just based on a shared location. According to reports from TMZ and viral clips on TikTok, Brady and Earle were seen in high spirits at a luxury club on the island.
What the Cameras Caught:
- Intimate Conversations: Witnesses described the pair as being “engaged in private conversation” for much of the evening, frequently leaning in close to be heard over the music.
- The Viral Touch: One specific video shows Alix leaning toward Tom, whispering in his ear while gently caressing his back—a move that has been shared millions of times across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
- Celebratory Mood: Another clip features Brady dancing while Earle gives him a playful over-the-shoulder glance, looking “relaxed and comfortable” in each other’s company.
While representatives for both stars have yet to issue a formal statement, the “St. Barts Spark” has already become the most talked-about story of the new year.
The Braxton Berrios Breakup: Why It Ended
The timing of these rumors is particularly notable because Alix Earle only recently entered her “single era.” In December 2025, multiple sources confirmed that Earle and Braxton Berrios had officially called it quits after nearly two years of dating.
The Real Reason for the Split:
In a candid “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) video on TikTok, Earle opened up about the emotional transition. The primary culprit? Long-distance strain.
- Conflicting Schedules: Earle spent the latter half of 2025 in Los Angeles competing on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, where she finished as the first runner-up.
- Texas vs. California: While Alix was building a new life and routine in LA, Berrios was tied to his NFL commitments in Houston, Texas.
- Civility and Maturity: Earle noted that the breakup was “distance-induced” and mutual. “I wish I felt angry,” she told her followers. “It’s weird because I’ve never been through a breakup where we’re so civil and on good terms.”
Tom Brady’s Romantic Chapter (2025-2026)
Since his 2022 divorce from Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady’s dating life has been a subject of constant fascination. In early 2025, reports surfaced that he was giving his on-and-off romance with Irina Shayk another try. However, by mid-2025, that connection appeared to have “fizzled” once more.
With Gisele Bündchen reportedly remarrying in late 2025, Brady has remained largely focused on his children and his high-profile broadcasting career with FOX Sports. His appearance with Alix Earle marks the first time he has been linked to a major social media creator, signaling a potential new direction for the 48-year-old icon.
FAQ: Insurance Services for Celebrities in the USA
When stars like Brady and Earle dominate the news cycle, their “brand” becomes their most valuable asset. Behind the scenes, specialized insurance plays a massive role in protecting their lifestyle and reputation.
1. What is “Reputation Insurance” for influencers?
Commonly known as Crisis Management Insurance, this helps celebrities like Alix Earle cover the costs of public relations firms and legal experts if a public event or scandal threatens their brand partnerships and income.
2. How do athletes protect their “image rights”?
High-net-worth individuals in the USA often use Media Liability Insurance. This protects against claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement—all common risks in the digital age.
3. Do celebrities have insurance for private events?
Yes. For high-profile gatherings like the New Year’s party in St. Barts, stars often carry Personal Excess Liability (Umbrella) coverage. This provides an extra layer of financial protection if a guest is injured or if property damage occurs during a private event.
4. What about Cyber Security and Extortion?
With the rise of “deepfakes” and account hacking, many celebrities now invest in Cyber Liability Insurance. This covers the costs of recovering hacked social media accounts and protects against digital extortion attempts.
5. Is there insurance for “Personal Security”?
Yes. Most elite insurance packages for celebrities include Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion (KRE) coverage, which provides specialized security consultants and investigative services during international travel.
Pro Tips: Protecting the Brand for Public Figures
If you are a rising creator or a public figure, consider these insurance tips to safeguard your future:
- Always Bundle Media Liability: Ensure your professional liability covers “advertising injury” to protect against accidental trademark or likeness disputes.
- Umbrella Policies are Non-Negotiable: For anyone with a public profile, a standard $1M policy is rarely enough. Look for limits of $5M to $10M.
- Insure Your Equipment: Influencers should have “Inland Marine” floaters to cover expensive cameras, lighting, and tech used during international shoots.
Expert Tips: Insurance Strategies for Public Figures
If you are managing a high-profile brand or are a rising public figure, consider these “pro-level” insurance tips:
- Umbrella Policies are Vital: A standard policy won’t cover a $10M lawsuit. High-limit umbrella insurance is the “safety net” for high-asset individuals.
- Cyber & Extortion Protection: With social media hacks on the rise, insuring your digital presence is as important as insuring your home.
- Personal Security Floaters: If you are traveling to places like St. Barts for high-profile events, ensure your policy covers specialized private security and emergency extraction.
rt Tips: Insurance Strategies for Public Figures
If you are managing a high-profile brand or are a rising public figure, consider these “pro-level” insurance tips:
- Umbrella Policies are Vital: A standard policy won’t cover a $10M lawsuit. High-limit umbrella insurance is the “safety net” for high-asset individuals.
- Cyber & Extortion Protection: With social media hacks on the rise, insuring your digital presence is as important as insuring your home.
- Personal Security Floaters: If you are traveling to places like St. Barts for high-profile events, ensure your policy covers specialized private security and emergency extraction.
