Just hours before news broke about her breakup with Zach Bryan, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia shared her thoughts on the challenges of dating someone in the public eye.
During her appearance on the Talk Tuah podcast with Haliey Welch, the 25-year-old opened up about her relationship with the country singer, 28, revealing that she had never intended to date a celebrity.
Hours before news surfaced about her split from Zach Bryan, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia shared her struggles with dating a celebrity
“I’ve said on the BFFs podcast that I’d never want to date anyone famous,” LaPaglia recalled. “It wasn’t something I ever wanted, but somehow it just happened.” When Welch asked what changed her perspective once she got involved with Bryan, LaPaglia gave a candid response: “Honestly, I wish I hadn’t. Don’t date famous people.”
She went on to explain how their relationship began, mentioning that after attending one of his shows, she and her co-host Grace O’Malley recorded a podcast episode about the experience.
Soon after, Bryan messaged her on Instagram, and things developed from there. Despite this, LaPaglia maintained that relationships with public figures come with serious challenges. “I really think it’s better for your mental health not to date someone who’s in the spotlight,” she stressed.
Welch also asked how LaPaglia coped with constant public attention and persistent rumors about their relationship. “The Internet is wild—they run with anything,” LaPaglia said.
“I don’t defend myself online because I think it’s pointless. The rumors just snowball, and it feels like there’s something new every week. People will believe whatever they want.”
On October 22, Bryan announced their breakup through his Instagram Stories, requesting privacy for both of them. “I’ve had a tough year personally and faced a lot of difficult things. I think it’s best for both of us to go our separate ways,” Bryan explained, admitting, “I’m not perfect and never will be.”
Following Bryan’s post, LaPaglia shared her own response on Instagram, expressing that she felt “completely blindsided.” In a tearful YouTube video, LaPaglia elaborated on the breakup, confirming that the official separation happened on October 21. “I’ve been crying nonstop for five days,” she admitted, her face visibly swollen.
Through her tears, she reflected on her heartbreak. “How do you give everything to someone and love them unconditionally—even when you shouldn’t—because you see the good in them?” she asked, visibly emotional.
Towards the end of her video, LaPaglia requested privacy from her followers. “When I’m ready to talk about everything, I will. But for now, I need time to process being blindsided.” Representatives for both Bryan and LaPaglia did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The couple first crossed paths at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023. LaPaglia later went public with their relationship in July 2023 on her Plan Bri Uncut podcast.
