In a candid interview, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between country music star Zach Bryan and social media influencer Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia, providing a rare insider's perspective on the events leading up to their shocking split.

Uncovering the Cracks in a High-Profile Romance

Banned from the Concert: Portnoy's Encounter with Bryan's Insecurity

Portnoy recounts two instances that soured his opinion of Zach Bryan, the first of which occurred moments before the country crooner was set to take the stage at a Super Bowl kickoff event in Las Vegas. Portnoy and his co-host, Josh Richards, were planning to meet up with LaPaglia, but she informed them that Bryan had banned them from attending the concert. Portnoy alleges that this decision stemmed from a previous podcast episode where LaPaglia's co-hosts joked about her "revolving door of boyfriends," which had apparently caused "the first big fight" between the now-former couple.Portnoy expressed his disbelief at Bryan's reaction, labeling it "pretty f–king insane" to ban someone over a harmless joke. This incident, he claims, was the first sign that he was not a "Zach Bryan hater."

The Red Carpet Incident: Bryan's Jealousy and Insecurity Exposed

The second instance that soured Portnoy's opinion of Bryan occurred after LaPaglia attended the Golden Globes in January 2024 without her then-boyfriend. During a red carpet interview, LaPaglia was asked if there was "anybody [she's] excited to meet," to which she responded by complimenting the appearance of a "famous, awesome-looking celebrity." According to Portnoy, this did not sit well with Bryan, who subsequently unfollowed LaPaglia on social media and blocked the "BFFs" podcast account.Portnoy described Bryan's reaction as that of an "insecure baby," suggesting that the country singer's lack of confidence and maturity were on full display. He further claimed that while Bryan was "nice to us" in person, his "vibes were just — he was so over the top nice," hinting at a deeper underlying tension.

Portnoy's Distrust and Dislike of Zach Bryan

Throughout the podcast interview, Portnoy made it clear that he had never been a fan of Zach Bryan, going so far as to call him a "fraud." He explained that every time he had met the singer, he had not felt comfortable with him, and he never got a good "vibe" from him. Portnoy believes that LaPaglia was aware of his dislike for Bryan, suggesting that their relationship was always on shaky ground.

The Aftermath: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Shocking Split

Just days after Portnoy's revelations, Zach Bryan confirmed the end of his relationship with Brianna LaPaglia, citing a personally "incredibly hard year" and the need to "go our different ways." LaPaglia, in turn, expressed feeling "blindsided" by the sudden announcement, revealing that she needed to "hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately."A source close to the former couple revealed that their relationship was "always rocky," with Bryan's "lifestyle" being "not conducive to a serious relationship." This sentiment echoes Portnoy's observations, suggesting that the cracks in their union had been present for some time.The breakup comes amid allegations of infidelity, with a woman named Brooke Almond publicly accusing Bryan of cheating on LaPaglia earlier this year. This revelation, coupled with Portnoy's insider insights, paints a complex and tumultuous picture of the once-promising relationship between the country star and the social media influencer.