Nearly a year after their breakup in October 2024, country singer Zach Bryan and podcast personality Brianna LaPaglia, also known as Brianna Chickenfry, remain embroiled in a highly public and emotionally charged feud that continues to captivate fans and social media alike.
The drama reignited in July 2025, shortly after Bryan released a trio of new songs, including the emotionally resonant track "River Washed Hair." Fans quickly speculated the song was about LaPaglia due to its lyrics mentioning a girl named Anna and hints of emotional conflict. Bryan, however, swiftly shut down these rumors in a now-deleted comment to a fan, stating, "Lmfao, I said ‘sweet’ this is not about whatever she has going on hahahahaah." This denial only fueled the ongoing back-and-forth between the former couple.
LaPaglia responded publicly, taking to social media to assert, "Lmao obviously he doesn’t think I’m sweet I turned down 12 million dollars to share my abuse," referencing a staggering offer she claims Bryan made to silence her. She also alleged that Bryan's previous romantic partners, Rose Madden and Deb Peifer, signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), while adding a dismissive note about Bryan's songwriting process: "Also fyi his songs aren’t about anyone he writes them drunk at 6am." The exchange underscores the tension and complexity of their relationship's aftermath.
Delving deeper into the saga, Bryan took to his Instagram Story in the early hours of July 15, 2025, posting a series of old messages exchanged with LaPaglia and his manager. Among these was a heartfelt message from LaPaglia dated prior to October 29, 2024, in which she wrote, "I’ll never forget the love I felt for you at one time in this life! Timing was wrong and you weren’t ready and that’s okay. Enjoy being a rockstar. If you ever need a friend that gets it, I’ll always be here, I don’t break my promises." The message paints a picture of lingering affection despite their breakup.
However, the tone shifted dramatically with the revelation of alleged NDA negotiations. On July 14, 2025, LaPaglia shared on Instagram a screenshot of a text message she claimed came from Bryan’s management team. The message outlined two NDA options: one offering the Duxbury House plus $3 million, and another proposing a $10 million payment. The terms reportedly required LaPaglia to remain silent about Bryan, not discuss non-public cheating allegations, and guarantee that a "Grace recording" would never be mentioned. Additionally, she would be expected to deflect or defend Bryan against rumors while only discussing the general breakup.
LaPaglia captioned the post, "And I rest my case! His manager texting me their options for NDA [non-disclosure agreement]," signaling her refusal to be silenced. In a follow-up Instagram Story on the same day, she expressed frustration and resilience, stating, "I have not told one lie ever and it’s baffling to me the brain dead little army of men that so clearly abuse women too that blindly follow their little leader bc he makes songs for them about being bad boyz lol." She confirmed that Bryan had posted screenshots of their texts earlier that morning, describing them as moments where she was "being nice lol."
LaPaglia further clarified her position, saying, "I am simply responding to him attacking me. I want nothing to do with this man idk why he’s crashing out." She urged fans to stop pressuring her to expose Bryan, emphasizing, "The proof is literally in the pudding I don’t need to relive my trauma for the sake of online entertainment. Like I’ve said from day one. I share my experiences that I thought would be helpful for other women and I’ll continue to honor that." She concluded poignantly, "I was offered 12.9 million dollars to stay quiet. I was presented options on what I could choose. I chose none because I have morals. End of story. I’m so sick of this s–t idk why he’s crashing out." This candid declaration highlights the emotional toll the feud has taken on her.
Their breakup in late 2024 was initially addressed by Bryan on Instagram Stories, where he wrote, "Brianna and me have broken up with each other and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I’ll always thank her. I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and I never will be." This public acknowledgment suggested a mutual respect despite their personal struggles.
Their relationship, once publicly celebrated—including appearances together at high-profile events such as the 66th GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024—has since unraveled under the scrutiny of social media and public attention. LaPaglia has recounted fights over music preferences in their shared New York City apartment, including disagreements over artists like Morgan Wallen and Noah Kahan. She specifically referenced an argument sparked by her singing Wallen's hit "Last Night," which she later posted about on TikTok, seemingly in response to Bryan’s new music releases.
Adding further complexity, a timeline of text messages revealed by Bryan shows LaPaglia offering three options to his manager shortly after their breakup: Option A, to accept $12 million and say nothing; Option B, to take the high road and avoid discussing non-public cheating or narcissism; and Option C, to engage in a "messy war" by airing out everything. The existence of these options lends credence to LaPaglia's claims about the NDA negotiations and the sizable financial offers she reportedly declined.
The ongoing public feud reflects the challenges faced by high-profile couples navigating private pain in the relentless glare of the digital age. Both Bryan and LaPaglia have hinted that more revelations could emerge, with LaPaglia suggesting future podcast episodes may shed additional light on her experiences. Meanwhile, Bryan is preparing for three headlining shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, scheduled for July 18-20, 2025, indicating he continues to focus on his career amid the personal turmoil.
As this saga unfolds, it raises broader questions about the intersection of fame, personal trauma, and the power dynamics within relationships. LaPaglia’s refusal to accept millions to silence her story speaks volumes about her determination to maintain her voice and integrity despite intense pressure. Bryan’s denials and selective disclosures, meanwhile, illustrate the complexities of public image management in the era of instant social media reactions.
Ultimately, the story of Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia is a stark reminder that behind the music and the headlines lie very human struggles—of love, loss, and the fight to be heard on one’s own terms.
