Internet personality and podcast host Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is opening up about her challenging split from country singer Zach Bryan, marking a powerful new chapter with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut. Amidst allegations of emotional abuse and a multi-million dollar NDA offer, LaPaglia shares how she’s reclaiming her life and identity, inspiring others with her story of resilience.
In a powerful statement of independence and self-worth, social media sensation and podcast host Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia has captivated audiences with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut as the January 2025 digital cover model. This milestone arrives in the wake of her publicized breakup with country music star Zach Bryan, a period LaPaglia describes as “reclaiming” her life.
The Whirlwind Romance and Unexpected Split
LaPaglia, 25, and Bryan, 28, first connected at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023. At the time, both were in other relationships, but a few days after Bryan announced his split from his then-girlfriend Deb Peifer, he “slid into [Brianna’s] DMs,” as she revealed on her BFFs podcast. Their romance quickly heated up, with LaPaglia confirming their relationship publicly in July 2023.
Their relationship saw moments of intense highs, including a terrifying near-fatal car crash where their lives were saved by seatbelts, an incident LaPaglia vividly recounted on TikTok. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2024 Grammys, a significant moment just months before their eventual separation.
However, the fairytale took a sharp turn. In October 2024, Bryan announced their breakup via an Instagram Story, stating it had been “an incredibly hard year” and that it would be “beneficial for both of us to go our different ways.” LaPaglia later shared she was “completely blindsided” by this public statement, a sentiment she first expressed in a tearful video to her followers.
Allegations of Emotional Abuse and a Controversial NDA Offer
Following the initial shock, LaPaglia began to share more intimate details of the relationship on her BFFs podcast. She alleged emotional abuse, claiming she was made to “dim myself down” while dating Bryan and that he “destroyed” her prior to their split. These revelations sparked widespread discussion among fans and followers.
Adding another layer of controversy, LaPaglia revealed that Bryan’s management allegedly offered her a substantial $12 million in exchange for her silence about their relationship. However, she famously refused the offer, asserting her independence and right to share her truth.
“It came down to the point of I’m not the people before, and I was someone before you, and you made the women before me believe that they had no other choice than to take money from you, sign their experiences away, sign what they went through away,” LaPaglia recounted, as reported by People. “Sorry, I’m not them. I don’t want your money.”
Bryan has not publicly commented on the specific claims of emotional abuse or the alleged NDA offer. He did, however, recently issue a lengthy statement on social media, calling out “bullies on the internet” who were “attacking and belittling my friends” in the aftermath of the breakup.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Moment: A Powerful ‘F*** You’
LaPaglia’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a profound statement of her personal journey. She candidly shared with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit that during “the hardest time of my life,” this opportunity has been “one of the most rewarding things that has ever happened to me.”
The significance of her debut is amplified by a past incident where Bryan reportedly convinced her not to host the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 60th anniversary red carpet event the previous year. Her current cover, therefore, represents a full-circle moment of reclaiming her choices and career.
“It’s a lot more than me looking quote-unquote ‘hot’ in a swimsuit—it’s me reclaiming who I am as a woman, reclaiming my body and my decisions and my choices,” LaPaglia explained. “…It is just, on a petty level, my favorite ‘f*** you.’”
This sentiment resonates deeply within the fan community, highlighting themes of empowerment and resilience that many find inspiring. LaPaglia has received numerous messages from women sharing their own stories of unhealthy relationships, affirming her hope that her vulnerability can help others.
Thriving and Looking Forward
Beyond the magazine cover, LaPaglia is embracing new challenges, including her participation as a celebrity recruit on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” airing on FOX. This venture further showcases her determination and strength in the public eye.
In a recent update, LaPaglia confirmed to TMZ that she is “thriving” and not currently dating. She emphasized that the past year has been dedicated to healing and being in a “fantastic headspace.” Her advice to anyone in a toxic relationship is to “trust their gut and take their power back,” echoing her own journey of moving past the alleged NDA and speaking her truth.
Zach Bryan’s New Chapter
While LaPaglia focuses on her personal growth, Zach Bryan has also moved forward. Before his relationship with LaPaglia, Bryan was married to Rose Madden in 2020, divorcing one year later. He then dated Deb Peifer from 2022 to May 2023.
In March 2025, Bryan officially “hard launched” his latest relationship, sharing a photo of a woman named Hannah Duncan on his Instagram story. This development confirms that both parties are embarking on new personal journeys following their highly scrutinized split.
The narratives of both Brianna LaPaglia and Zach Bryan continue to unfold in the public eye, but for LaPaglia, her path is clearly defined by resilience, self-discovery, and an inspiring commitment to helping others find their voice after challenging experiences.
