Zach Bryan, the 28-year-old country singer-songwriter, and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, a 25-year-old influencer and podcaster, have ended their relationship after over a year of dating. The breakup, which initially seemed like a personal and private matter, quickly turned into a public spectacle full of accusations, emotional turmoil, and diss tracks, making it one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups in recent memory.
Bryan announced the breakup on Instagram on October 22, 2024, stating that he had been going through a difficult time personally and thought it would be best for both of them to part ways. However, LaPaglia claimed the breakup was only finalized the day before, and she was blindsided by Bryan’s public revelation. She expressed her hurt on social media, explaining that she hadn’t even informed her close friends or family before the news became public.
In the aftermath of the breakup, LaPaglia opened up about an offer she received from Bryan’s legal team. She claimed that she was offered $12 million in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to keep details about their relationship and breakup private. LaPaglia declined the offer, further intensifying the public drama surrounding the split. The NDA reportedly included provisions that would have silenced not only LaPaglia but also her colleagues at Barstool Sports.
Bryan and LaPaglia’s relationship began in May 2023 after they met at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Their connection grew after LaPaglia appeared at one of Bryan’s concerts, and they started communicating more through social media. By June 2023, their relationship was confirmed, though it was marred by allegations of cheating, as both were reportedly in other relationships at the time they first met. LaPaglia, however, denied these allegations.
Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia (@zachlanebryan/Instagram)
The Breakup Announcement and LaPaglia’s Reaction
The breakup became widely discussed after Bryan posted his Instagram statement. LaPaglia responded by sharing an emotional YouTube video, where she questioned how someone can be discarded after loving someone unconditionally. She explained that she had been crying for several days and would need time away from social media to heal. In the same video, she hinted that more details regarding the breakup would come out later.
The breakup escalated when LaPaglia’s BFFs podcast co-hosts, Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards, released a diss track titled “Smallest Man” on Election Day. The song mocked Bryan’s height, accused him of cheating, and referenced rumors about him spreading STIs. The track was removed from streaming platforms shortly after its release, reportedly due to a DMCA takedown from Bryan and his label, Warner Music. In retaliation, Portnoy released a follow-up diss track called “Country Diddy,” which made further references to the $12 million NDA and accused Bryan of trying to silence LaPaglia and others.
Though Bryan did not respond directly with a diss track, he released a song titled “This World’s a Giant” on November 7, 2024. The track reflected his remorse and seemed to address his own emotional struggles, with lyrics that expressed regret over his actions during the relationship. Bryan admitted to being childish and apologized for the pain he caused, but he did not engage with the diss tracks directly.
In an unaired clip from LaPaglia’s BFFs podcast, she revealed that she had been offered a significant payout from Bryan’s legal team in exchange for her silence about their relationship. The NDA was said to be far-reaching, and LaPaglia claimed it would have required her to stop discussing not only her personal experiences with Bryan but also her colleagues at Barstool.
This offer complicated LaPaglia’s professional life and played a role in her decision not to accept the NDA. Additionally, LaPaglia shared instances of emotional abuse during the relationship, claiming that Bryan would undermine her successes and sabotage her achievements.
Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia (@zachlanebryan/Instagram)
Allegations of Emotional Abuse and Infidelity
LaPaglia accused Bryan of emotionally abusive behavior, including incidents where he reportedly smashed her phone and disapproved of her professional decisions. She also shared that Bryan had tried to convince her to quit her job at Barstool, offering to double her salary if she left. LaPaglia also confirmed rumors of Bryan’s infidelity, stating that he had been cheating throughout their relationship. She mentioned that the week Bryan showed her an engagement ring, he was simultaneously messaging other women on social media.
In the wake of the breakup, LaPaglia appears focused on her career with Barstool and her podcasting ventures. While the future of her Plan Bri Uncut podcast remains unclear, she has reaffirmed her commitment to her professional relationships at Barstool. Bryan, meanwhile, has announced plans to quit touring in 2025 to pursue a master’s degree in Paris. Both exes have also capitalized on their breakup, with LaPaglia launching a breakup-themed clothing line in collaboration with the brand Boys Lie.
Through songs, social media posts, and merchandise, both LaPaglia and Bryan have found ways to profit from their split, turning their personal turmoil into public entertainment. The fallout from their breakup continues to capture attention, as fans and media outlets eagerly follow each new development in their highly publicized split.
