Brianna Chickenfry Steps Away from BFFs Podcast Following Zach Bryan Breakup
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is taking some essential time for herself. The cohost of the popular BFFs podcast announced her temporary departure from the Barstool Sports show, where she collaborates with Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards, amid the recent end of her relationship with country star Zach Bryan. In a heartfelt message shared via the podcast’s TikTok, LaPaglia expressed the challenges she’s facing and emphasized the importance of prioritizing her mental well-being.
“Hey everyone! We attempted to record this week, but I’m really struggling with how to publicly address everything given the backlash,” LaPaglia, who is 25, wrote. “I’m choosing to focus on my mental health this week, and Josh and Dave completely support me in that decision. I hope you can all understand.”
Details surrounding the breakup between LaPaglia and Bryan, 28, have emerged, suggesting that Brianna felt blindsided when she discovered Zach’s activity on dating apps while they were in what she believed was a committed relationship. A source revealed that someone alerted her to his profile on Raya, prompting concerns about his dating life.
On October 22, Bryan publicly announced their split after a year together, expressing his respect and love for LaPaglia in an Instagram Story. “This has been an incredibly tough year for me personally, and I believed it was best for us to go our separate ways. I have so much gratitude for her unwavering love,” he shared, acknowledging his struggles and imperfections.
In a follow-up, Brianna took to her Instagram Story, expressing her feelings of being blindsided. “Hey everyone, I feel really overwhelmed right now. I’m going to step away from social media for a bit to heal privately, but I promise I’ll be back when I’m ready to talk. Thank you for your support,” she wrote, reminding her followers that they are loved and everything will be okay.
Brianna Chickenfry rose to fame long before her relationship with Bryan began. She joined Barstool Sports as an intern in 2020, eventually securing a full-time position that led to her own podcast, cementing her place in the digital landscape.
In a YouTube video shortly after the breakup announcement, Brianna shared her heartbreak, asking how one could give so much of themselves only to feel discarded.
It’s evident that the relationship, which was made public in July 2023, has taken an unexpected turn, leaving many fans perplexed. Portnoy, LaPaglia’s cohost, has openly criticized Bryan, labeling him as “insecure” and calling out his actions as “dirty business,” noting his presence on a dating app shortly after their breakup.
As both parties navigate this difficult time, it’s clear that mental health and healing are at the forefront of Brianna’s priorities. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.