What started as a quiet breakup between Zach Bryan and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia has erupted into a public spectacle, one that’s left fans questioning the country star’s judgment and rallying behind the Barstool Sports personality.

On Monday, Bryan, 29, surprised fans by posting screenshots to his Instagram Story that revealed private text messages from LaPaglia following their 2024 split. One message showed LaPaglia writing that she “still had love for” Bryan, wished him the best, and reminded him, “I was always in your corner.” She even offered her family as a source of comfort for the singer to lean on.

Within the message she also wrote, "I hope one day you can see past all the bulls–t of your life and know I was always in your corner." But it was the next screenshot that sent shockwaves through social media.

In a message Bryan claims was sent by LaPaglia to a third party, she appeared to weigh “options” for how to move forward post-breakup – including accepting $12 million or a house in exchange for staying silent about the relationship, or turning it all down and preparing for a “messy war.”

Fans were stunned, but LaPaglia fired back instantly.

“Boy is blackout at 7 a.m. again, shocker,” she wrote on her Instagram Story, throwing shade at Bryan’s alleged drinking habits. In a follow-up post, she shared a screenshot of a message from Bryan’s own manager, appearing to show that histeam was the one offering her NDA options – not the other way around.

“I have not told ONE lie ever,” LaPaglia wrote on social media. “I was offered $12.9 million to stay quiet. I was presented options on what I could choose. I chose none because I have morals.”

She ended the statement with a clear boundary, “I’m so sick of this s–t. I don’t know why he’s crashing out.”

LaPaglia also responded to critics asking her to release recordings or further proof of alleged abuse during their relationship.

"One last thing. I am not taking the bait and please stop dming me to expose him. The proof is literally in the pudding I don't nneed to relive my trauma for the sake of online entertainment," she wrote. "Like I've said FROM DAY ONE. I shared my experience that I thought would be helpful for other women and I'll con tinue to honor that. What I went through is not drama or tea, I nearly killed myself. I am finally happy and free of the hold he had on me and I will not be giving an open invitation to that dark cloud back into my life," LaPaglia added. 

Still, fans haven’t forgotten that just last week, she teased the possibility of speaking out more. After Bryan commented on TikTok claiming his latest track "River Washed Hair" wasn’t about her and referring to her as not “sweet."

LaPaglia hinted at upcoming revelations, “His comment just made me feel very excited to share some videos and stories of him this week on BFFs.”

@taydepadua I’m so conflicted 💀 #zachbryan ♬ River Washed Hair - Zach Bryan

Bryan attempted to walk back the drama, replying in a now-deleted comment: “This is not about whatever she has going on. I said ‘sweet.’”  LaPaglia brushed off the rumors. “His songs aren’t about anyone,” she said. “He writes them drunk at 6 a.m.”

While Bryan’s intention may have been to shut down fan theories, his method only added fuel to the fire and fans are taking notice.

Photo Credit: Stewart Cook/CB