Brianna LaPaglia, known by many as "Brianna Chickenfry" has become a popular influencer and podcaster. Recent events including a highly talked about breakup with a musician has given her new perspectives and opportunities.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
Brianna LaPaglia graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's January digital issue making this an important career event for the personality. The photoshoot shows her in swimsuits on location with her tattoos which gives viewers an understanding into her personality while reclaiming confidence after her relationship issues.
The Inspiration Behind the Shoot
LaPaglia states the cover shoot is about reclaiming who she is and her choices as a woman. She feels she has reconnected with who she was before the relationship and this cover shoot gives her a "f--- you" moment for all past conflicts with those that didn't value who she is. It is also about embracing her body and making choices for her individual happiness and goals in life, without needing outside permission.
Relationship With Zach Bryan
Brianna was involved in a relationship with a country singer for over a year that ended abruptly in fall of 2024. Many details have come about showcasing this time with accusations of an emotionally abusive relationship and more with many views shared from all angles.
Claimed NDA Offer
LaPaglia claimed Bryan and his team attempted to silence her by offering her a 12 million dollar non disclosure agreement (NDA). They also mentioned giving her a New York apartment so that she could move forward after all that occurred during her relationship with the country star.
Speaking Out About Abuse
She chose not to be silent and instead spoke openly about her relationship experiences and brought to light difficult times. By being candid she offered others who had gone through emotional abuse to speak out more, find a voice and feel supported.
Providing A Voice for Others
LaPaglia now feels her experience has given meaning in helping others. Through telling her story she has made an impact while finding purpose and has had many send in their stories and express how much support she has brought.
Brianna Lapaglia’s Perspective on TikTok
LaPaglia had claimed she is also tired of the platform TikTok citing negative algorithms that create an echo chamber. Also stating that when you get put into one algorithm it may become the only one you see. The recent passing of the ban is viewed positively by LaPaglia who states that “it’s time for a celebration and goodbye.”
Shunning A-list Life
In the past year she had lived among the A-list crowd and that many of them were no better or happier than those that live "regular lives". By creating space from many "A-list" trends it was a desire to showcase she has her focus on other endeavors. This has pushed a focus for her on family values instead of being a social media presence. She wants to also be authentic to her personality without having to change.
Reclaiming Her True Self
Before her relationship started her personality was of a bubbly person who spoke to people regularly. She felt during her relationship with Bryan that he needed to have her dim down and not be her full authentic self because her spotlight at times would overshine his and his reactions to this dynamic. This caused her to seek growth outside of all influences of previous relationships.
Rediscovering Her Own Style
After having these things surface she states that now she sparks conversation at the crosswalks and the bodega. She even has taken to being vocal with her hairstylist. Now without her relationship holding her back she is regaining the “spark of life” that had previously gone away by being authentically herself.
The Return to Podcasts
The podcasting world is also an area she has plans to come back to after her hiatus due to recent experiences. She has planned for new show approaches by making a pivot in how some details would be delivered.
Cutting out Negativity
The show has stated they would be cutting out celebrity headlines to avoid any additional drama or gossip that would come from her. It is an important step in helping show growth in who she is and what she values. She will also seek more connection to the more positive parts of social media as it may be a method for healing.
Future Aspirations
She also had said that as a method of sharing personal experiences non-fiction may be more suited for future storytelling while still keeping fiction as a future option. By including new storytelling styles it may show a different version of herself moving into her long term professional goals.
Key Takeaways
- Brianna LaPaglia has posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's January Digital issue with the goal of reclaiming her body and personal identity after breaking up with Zach Bryan.
- She chose not to accept a large amount of money in exchange to stay silent about a recent relationship she describes as abusive.
- LaPaglia also has shifted her view of social media seeking to be more intentional in the impact of all online content.
- Brianna had previously halted all personal pursuits while in her past relationship which she is working towards bringing back through action.
- Her goals include more focus on podcasts with less commentary and new book formats, in a move towards having greater self expression while creating unique and informative content.