Zach Bryan Lashes Out at Critics Amid Breakup Fallout

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music star Zach Bryan has taken to Instagram to defend himself and his friends amid ongoing speculation about his personal life following a highly publicized breakup with Barstool Sports personality Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. The 28-year-old singer, known for his raw lyrics and emotional performances, posted a series of Instagram stories on Thursday, addressing what he called “little bullies on the internet” and denying rumors about his relationship status.

Bryan’s breakup with LaPaglia, 25, made headlines in October when he announced their split after dating for just over a year. LaPaglia later accused Bryan of domestic violence and claimed she was offered a $12 million nondisclosure agreement and a New York apartment to stay silent about their relationship. Bryan has not publicly addressed these allegations.

In his Instagram posts, Bryan expressed frustration with online critics who have targeted his friends. “All you f***in’ weird couch warriors attacking and belittling my friends on the internet because you’re assuming I have a girlfriend are weird as hell and should be studied for science,” he wrote. “Everyone wonders why I quit touring and don’t want to be attached to music anymore, meanwhile you’re calling my friends ugly and harassing them?”

Bryan insisted that he does not currently have a girlfriend and has no plans to pursue a relationship anytime soon. “Apparently I’ve [had] four different girlfriends in like two weeks, meanwhile my friends and me are just laughing and hanging out like we always have,” he said. He urged his followers to focus on more pressing issues, writing, “Go give your attention and time to the literal city burning down and stop being so sad and fickle and childish through screens.”

The singer also emphasized his resilience in the face of online criticism. “No matter how bad of a person you think I am, go ahead and come for me. I can take all the hatred because I’m not a child,” he wrote. “But do not come for my friends who do nothing but love and care for me.”

Bryan’s posts come amid a tumultuous period in his personal and professional life. Earlier this year, he announced he was stepping away from touring, citing burnout and a desire to focus on his mental health. His relationship with LaPaglia, which began in 2022, was closely followed by fans and media alike, with the breakup sparking widespread speculation and backlash.

LaPaglia, for her part, has moved on from the relationship, stating that she is now “married to [her] career.” The Barstool podcaster has received significant public support in the wake of the breakup, including brand collaborations and endorsements.

Bryan’s latest outburst raises questions about his future in the public eye. The singer, who has previously taken breaks from social media, hinted that the constant scrutiny may drive him away permanently. “Every day I lose a little more faith in humanity, and every day I get closer to never being in the public’s eye again,” he wrote. “Which is incredibly sad because I truly do really love humans and being happy and joking around and laughing a lot.”

Despite the controversy, Bryan remains a prominent figure in the country music scene, with a dedicated fanbase drawn to his heartfelt storytelling and authenticity. Whether he will continue to navigate the challenges of fame or step away entirely remains to be seen.