Brianna LaPaglia, widely recognized as “Chickenfry,” has made a name for herself as a Barstool Sports podcast host and social media personality. Known for her humour, candidness, and relatability, LaPaglia has amassed a dedicated following online. However, her career recently took a serious turn when she made headlines for speaking out about her past relationship with country star Zach Bryan, sharing details of her experiences on her podcast and sparking public conversation.
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Early Life and Rise to Fame
Brianna LaPaglia, now in her mid-20s, grew up in the Northeast and quickly found her niche in internet culture. Her rise to fame began with short comedic videos and commentary that resonated with younger audiences on platforms like TikTok. Her fun, unfiltered approach and outgoing personality caught the attention of Barstool Sports, where she eventually became a podcast host. Today, she co-hosts the popular BFFs Podcast alongside Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy and influencer Josh Richards, discussing pop culture, relationships, and social media trends.
The “Chickenfry” Persona
Known to fans as “Chickenfry,” LaPaglia embodies a down-to-earth, humorous, and sometimes edgy personality that connects well with her audience. Her stage name reflects her playful, laid-back vibe, and she often shares funny anecdotes, relationship insights, and commentary on life as a young woman in the social media age. Her social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, showcase her personality and lifestyle, attracting millions of followers.
Relationship with Zach Bryan and Allegations
LaPaglia’s public life took a turn recently when she opened up about her relationship with musician Zach Bryan on a November podcast episode. In her revealing account, she detailed what she described as a difficult, emotionally abusive relationship. She alleged that during their year-long relationship, Bryan tried to control various aspects of her life, from her clothing choices to her professional pursuits.
In her account, LaPaglia claimed that Bryan attempted to dictate her career, even allegedly offering her a substantial amount of money to quit her role at Barstool Sports. She also recounted specific instances where she felt isolated and emotionally mistreated, including events on her birthday and during the Golden Globes, which she described as times he “ruined” for her. She also stated that Bryan’s team later offered her $12 million and a New York apartment in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to keep their relationship private—an offer she declined.
Breaking Silence and Moving Forward
LaPaglia emphasized that sharing her story wasn’t about seeking drama but about supporting others in similar situations of emotional abuse. She wanted to help individuals who might feel trapped or voiceless in unhealthy relationships, hoping that her experiences could resonate with or empower others. Her decision to speak publicly has been both praised and scrutinized, with fans showing support for her bravery and critics questioning the public nature of the revelations.
Portnoy and Richards’ Response
Following LaPaglia’s revelations, her BFFs Podcast co-hosts, Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards, released a diss track that targeted Bryan, further amplifying the media buzz surrounding the situation. The diss track faced multiple takedown attempts, allegedly from Bryan’s team, which reportedly tried to suppress the track through legal means. Portnoy and Richards remained defiant, with Portnoy publicly criticizing Bryan’s alleged attempts to control the narrative. This incident added to the broader discourse surrounding LaPaglia’s story and reinforced her determination to speak out.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.