Brianna LaPaglia Says Loved Ones “Didn’t Recognize” Her During Toxic Relationship

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is opening up about how a past relationship changed her and affected the people closest to her.

The 26-year-old influencer and podcast host spoke on the The Skinny Confidential podcast, hosted by Lauryn and Michael Bosstick, about what she described as a “toxic relationship” and the effects of trauma bonding with a partner.

Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia previously dated country singer Zach Bryan from July 2023 until October 2024. During the podcast interview, LaPaglia said the relationship caused long-lasting changes in her personality and behavior.

She explained that the moment she knew the relationship had to end was when she realized her family and friends no longer recognized who she was.

“It’s heartbreaking to walk into a room with your family and friends and they’re on edge,” LaPaglia said. “They don’t know how to talk to you anymore. They’re scared and walking on eggshells.”

LaPaglia said that during the relationship, she lost her outgoing nature. She described herself as normally social, curious, and eager to talk to people, but said she was gradually silenced.

“I was kind of put in a corner, told not to speak,” she said. “I was told when I was allowed to talk and what I was allowed to do and who I was supposed to be.”

She added that she held back around loved ones to avoid upsetting her former partner and described herself during that time as “just a shell of a human.”

In November 2024, about one month after the couple confirmed their breakup, LaPaglia accused Bryan of emotional abuse. She also claimed he offered her $12 million and a house in exchange for staying silent about their relationship. She made the allegations on the BFFs Podcast, which is produced by Barstool Sports.

Bryan has not publicly responded to the accusations. However, he later posted a video on Instagram Stories that appeared to reference LaPaglia, showing him burning a Barstool Sports flag.

In late December 2025, Bryan married girlfriend Samantha Leonard in Spain, according to multiple reports. He confirmed the marriage on Dec. 31 by sharing a photo of the couple on Instagram with the caption, “Tougher than the rest.”