Brianna LaPaglia Says Her Ex, Country Singer Zach Bryan, 'Ruined' Golden Globes 2024 Over Her Dress – Photos
Weeks after a painful breakup, Brianna LaPaglia details how her ex, Zach Bryan, criticized her, souring her experience at the 2024 Golden Globes.
Brianna LaPaglia, known by her fans as "Chickenfry," opened up about her turbulent experience with her ex-boyfriend, country singer Zach Bryan. The influencer and podcast host had eagerly anticipated the Golden Globes. She was excited to showcase her stylish outfit and document the evening on social media.
Brianna LaPaglia attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, dated January 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/briannalapaglia
At first, Bryan appeared supportive when she sent him photos of her dress. However, his tone shifted drastically. According to LaPaglia, Bryan disapproved of her attire, telling her he did not want to date someone who "presented themselves in that way."
Brianna LaPaglia poses in her outfit for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, dated January 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/briannalapaglia
"It ruins the night," she admitted. The tension escalated when Bryan unfollowed LaPaglia on social media after voicing his displeasure. He reportedly went as far as to ask her to delete certain Instagram posts he found inappropriate.
Brianna LaPaglia poses in her Golden Globes outfit, dated January 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/briannalapaglia
Yet, in a surprising twist, Bryan shared a photo of her from the event on his own Instagram Story, calling her "so beautiful." This contradictory behavior left LaPaglia feeling confused and emotionally exhausted.
Brianna LaPaglia and Grace O'Malley attend the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, dated January 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/briannalapaglia
Throughout the night, she confided in her close friend Grace O'Malley, struggling to hold back tears. Instead of enjoying the event, LaPaglia spent much of the evening upset, dealing with Bryan's inconsistent behavior and the emotional fallout.
The relationship between LaPaglia and Bryan officially ended in October 2024. Rumors of their split began swirling after LaPaglia shared a cryptic message on her Instagram, featuring a photograph of a handwritten note.
The message read, "And eventually you'll find that life goes on, even if you don't want it to," hinting at emotional turmoil. Just a day later, Bryan took to Instagram Stories to confirm the breakup. He also added that he respected and loved LaPaglia "with every ounce of my heart."
In his statement, Bryan acknowledged a difficult year filled with personal struggles. He explained that he believed it was best for both of them to go their separate ways. He asked for privacy, saying, "I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."
Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He ended the message by apologizing to those he felt he had let down, admitting, "I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."
LaPaglia, however, appeared blindsided by Bryan's public announcement. In an emotional YouTube video posted shortly after his statement, she revealed that she had no prior knowledge of the breakup post.
"I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up," she revealed. "I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts being like, 'Are you okay?'" She admitted to feeling heartbroken, sharing that she had been crying for "five days straight."
The couple was first linked at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023. They shared their relationship publicly just a few months later on LaPaglia's "Plan Bri Uncut" podcast in July 2023. After their split, LaPaglia was left struggling to come to terms with the abrupt end of their relationship.
She expressed her confusion, asking, "How can you give every ounce of yourself to someone, and then be discarded of in a few days?" Later in the "BFFs" podcast, she delved into deeper issues in her relationship with Bryan.
She went on to allege a pattern of emotionally abusive behavior. She claimed that Bryan often attempted to control her, particularly when it came to her social media presence and public image. According to LaPaglia, Bryan's criticisms were not limited to the Golden Globes incident.
LaPaglia recounted several instances where Bryan's actions marred special moments, including her birthday and a professional tour she had been looking forward to. She claimed that Bryan had a tendency to overshadow or ruin any occasion that was important to her.
"Anything Brianna did for Brianna, he had to ruin it," she asserted. She said he often expressed disapproval of many things she did and how she did them. This made her feel like she had to "walk on eggshells," constantly second-guessing her choices.
These experiences, she said, contributed to her growing realization that she was in an unhealthy, emotionally manipulative relationship. The podcast host also shared details about Bryan's attempts to control her professional life. She alleged that he once offered to double her salary at "Barstool Sports" if she agreed to quit her job, an offer she ultimately refused.
In a more shocking revelation, LaPaglia disclosed that Bryan's team approached her with an offer to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) after their breakup. The initial offer was reportedly a lower amount, but it escalated to $12 million, along with promises of a house and a New York apartment.
Despite the substantial financial incentives, LaPaglia declined the offer. "I didn't sign the NDA because I'm not signing away my experiences and what I went through to protect someone that hurt me," she said emphatically.
Although Bryan did not like the dress LaPaglia wore to the Golden Globes, fan comments told a different story. Social media was filled with praise for LaPaglia's look, with many fans applauding her outfit choice.
Followers left enthusiastic remarks, such as, "Bri is looking very good! 🔥😍," "Stunning 😍," "Your dress was seriously one of my favorites of the night 😍," and "Flawless."
These glowing comments were shared months ago, long before the recent revelations from LaPaglia about Zack Bryan's criticism. At the time, fans had no idea about the tension behind the scenes and only saw a confident LaPaglia enjoying the event.