Podcast Host Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Accuses Ex-Boyfriend Zach Bryan of Emotional Abuse and Control
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, popular podcast host and social media personality, recently leveled serious allegations of emotional abuse against her ex-boyfriend, country music star Zach Bryan. In an emotional conversation on the “BFFs” podcast, LaPaglia discussed the great her relationship with Bryan took on her mental health and explained her reasons for publicly addressing the alleged abuse. This move marks a bold step for the 25-year-old influencer, who hopes that sharing her experience will inspire others facing similar challenges to recognize their own strength.
LaPaglia’s disclosure follows her October 2024 breakup with Bryan after dating him for over a year. During her appearance on the podcast, she opened up about her experiences with co-hosts Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards. “It’s not just for me,” she said in a preview of the episode. “It’s for anyone else who’s been emotionally abused, for people who might be experiencing it now.” LaPaglia’s narrative illustrates not only her resilience but also sheds light on how emotional abuse can leave lasting scars.
The Emotional Toll of the Relationship
During the podcast, LaPaglia did not hold back when describing the impact Bryan allegedly had on her emotional well-being. She detailed a relationship marked by control, fear, and manipulation. “The last year of my life has been the hardest, dealing with the abuse from him,” she revealed. “I still feel scared because I’m afraid of him.” LaPaglia admitted that she continues to feel the lingering effects of the relationship. “My mental state has been altered; “I’m constantly anxious about making him angry,” she explained.
Even after their breakup, LaPaglia said she was initially too frightened to discuss her experiences. “Last week, I didn’t want to talk about it because I was scared,” she admitted, explaining that she preferred to focus only on topics that were already public. This anxiety highlights the lasting impact that emotional abuse can have on a person’s mindset, making them second-guess themselves and remain fearful long after a relationship ends.
Allegations of NDAs and Financial Offers
In one of the more surprising revelations, LaPaglia claimed that Bryan used nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with his past romantic partners, effectively silencing them about their experiences. According to LaPaglia, Bryan offered her $12 million to sign an NDA after their breakup, a proposition she ultimately declined. “I didn’t take the money because I’m not signing away my experiences and what I went through to protect someone that hurt me,” she asserted. “I’m a lot stronger than a weak man. F—k your money.”
This decision, LaPaglia explained, was less about public exposure and more about refusing to let her story be buried. She elaborated, “I don’t want in two years to buy a house and think, ‘Oh, this is the money from the guy who destroyed me and broke me for a year.’” LaPaglia emphasized that her choice to speak up was not driven by a desire for “drama” but by the need to reclaim her voice.
She also shared her disappointment with what she saw as a manipulative tactic that some of Bryan’s previous partners had succumbed to. “You made the women before me believe that they had no other choice,” she said, pointing out that they likely felt compelled to stay silent about their experiences in exchange for financial security. By refusing to follow this path, LaPaglia hopes to set an example for others who may be in similar situations.
Bryan’s Response and Cryptic Social Media Post
Bryan, who has yet to respond directly to LaPaglia’s accusations, appeared to allude to the situation with a cryptic Instagram post. The same day her allegations were made public, he posted a quote from Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road: “I didn’t know what to say. I felt like crying. Goddammit, everyone in the world wants an explanation for your actions and for your very being.”
Although Bryan’s post doesn’t directly address LaPaglia’s statements, it seemed to acknowledge the scrutiny he faces amid her allegations. Earlier, when Bryan publicly confirmed their split in October, he had requested privacy for both himself and LaPaglia. “Brianna and I have broken up with each other, and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart,” he shared on Instagram. “I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways.”
Power Struggles Over Public Image and Control
In addition to her claims of emotional abuse and NDAs, LaPaglia recounted incidents that she says demonstrated Bryan’s need for control over her image. One particularly memorable incident apparently took place at the Golden Globes, where LaPaglia claims Bryan disapproved of her choice of dress. “He didn’t like my dress,” she recounted. “He didn’t want to date someone who presents himself that way.” According to LaPaglia, Bryan’s comments led to an intense disagreement that “ruined” her night.
This incident, LaPaglia explained, was symptomatic of a larger pattern of behavior. “Anything good I did for myself, he made sure to ruin it for me,” she shared, describing how Bryan allegedly disrupted special occasions, from her birthday to career milestones. “He makes me believe I have to change my image to keep up with him or something. “The whole thing was twisted.”
Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia’s Rise to Fame
Both LaPaglia and Bryan have made significant strides in their respective careers. Bryan, an Oklahoma native and former US Navy servicemember, is known for his emotionally raw, country-inspired music. His songs like “Something in the Orange” and “Heading South” have resonated deeply with fans, and he has received Grammy nominations for his work. Bryan’s music often delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggle, painting an intimate portrait of his life experiences.
LaPaglia, on the other hand, has built her brand through her work with Barstool Sports and her co-hosting role on the “BFFs” podcast. She initially rose to fame on TikTok, where her candid takes on life, relationships, and pop culture gained her a following of over 1.6 million fans. Known for her humorous and unfiltered approach, LaPaglia has built a loyal audience that appreciates her openness and relatability.
The couple’s relationship began in May 2023 when they met at the Academy of Country Music Awards. They quickly became an item, going public with their relationship two months later. Despite their public affection and shared appearances, their relationship eventually soured, leading to their breakup in October 2024.
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The Broader Implications of LaPaglia’s Story
LaPaglia’s decision to speak out about her experiences has resonated with many fans and mental health advocates, sparking discussions about emotional abuse, control, and the challenges of navigating high-profile relationships. By sharing her story, LaPaglia is helping to shed light on the often-hidden dynamics of emotional abuse, which can leave lasting scars even without physical violence. Her story underscores the courage it takes to break free from such situations and encourages others to recognize the strength in standing up for themselves.
Emotional abuse, as highlighted in LaPaglia’s account, is often characterized by attempts to control, manipulate, and isolate. Experts note that survivors of emotional abuse frequently struggle with feelings of inadequacy, fear, and anxiety that can persist long after the relationship ends. LaPaglia’s decision to forgo a significant financial offer to protect her voice and her story demonstrates a resilience that resonates with many.
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Moving Forward: LaPaglia’s Message of Resilience
For LaPaglia, sharing her experience on the “BFFs” podcast represents a step toward healing and a show of solidarity with others facing similar struggles. She concluded her podcast segment with a powerful message: “I want people to know they don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept money to cover up your pain. There’s strength in telling the truth.”
LaPaglia’s story serves as a reminder that emotional abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their public image or the success of their partner. Her bravery in coming forward has inspired a wave of support, and many fans continue to rally behind her message of resilience and empowerment.
As the public waits for further developments, LaPaglia’s decision to speak out is helping to break down the stigma around emotional abuse and encourage open dialogue about its effects. For now, LaPaglia is focused on reclaiming her voice and empowering others to do the same.
