Brianna 'Chickenfry' LaPaglia Opens Up About Fractured Friendship With Former Co-Host
Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia has revealed the current state of her friendship with former Plan Bri Uncut co-host Grace O'Malley, addressing their complicated relationship that dates back to their teenage years. The 26-year-old BFFs podcaster and the 27-year-old comedian experienced a significant falling out in 2024 shortly after LaPaglia's shock split from musician Zach Bryan.
The Fallout and Awkward Reunion
The friendship breakdown led O'Malley to depart from Barstool Sports and launch her own independent podcast titled DisGRACEful. The former friends, who were once described as "like sisters" since age 15, recently encountered each other at a wedding in what LaPaglia characterized as an awkward reunion. Speaking to Daily Mail on Saturday, LaPaglia stressed that the encounter "was fine" despite the underlying tension between them.
While O'Malley has publicly expressed openness to reconciliation, LaPaglia offered a more skeptical perspective. "That's not what she says behind closed doors," the Special Forces contestant scoffed when addressing her former friend's stated position. LaPaglia elaborated on her philosophy regarding friendship doors, stating: "No doors should ever be closed for good - well, some doors should be closed for good. But friendship is, you know, always up there. We're having fun."
Super Bowl Coincidences and Social Media Presence
In a coincidental twist, both former friends found themselves in proximity during Super Bowl LX festivities. O'Malley and her sister Nora O'Malley managed to secure last-minute tickets to the big game, creating potential for another unexpected encounter between the ex-BFFs. Meanwhile, LaPaglia attended SI The Party at Cow Palace Arena & Event Center in Daly City, California, accompanied by BFFs podcast co-host Josh Richards and friend Gabriela Moura.
LaPaglia, who boasts an impressive 3.5 million social media followers, documented her Super Bowl experience through Instagram stories. She shared snaps of herself sporting a New England Patriots jacket while enjoying the atmosphere at Draft King's VIP suite inside Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. "I'm from Boston. My dad is like having a heart attack that I'm at the Super Bowl right now," the Massachusetts native explained. "Everything is so fun! Last night, [I] saw 50 Cent, oh my god. I really love Curtis."
Zach Bryan Connections and Personal Developments
The friendship dissolution occurred in the shadow of LaPaglia's breakup with country musician Zach Bryan, who was spotted performing at Super Bowl LX festivities. The 29-year-old Grammy winner performed at the EA SPORTS Presents Madden Bowl at the Chase Center in San Francisco, even enlisting San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to perform keyboard when his usual bandmate had to drop out unexpectedly.
Bryan has since moved on personally, marrying second wife Samantha Leighton Leonard on New Year's Eve in San Sebastián, Spain. The wedding occurred just five months after the relationship became public, with Leonard bearing a striking resemblance to LaPaglia. The 28-year-old certified yoga instructor aims to graduate this May with a Master of Architecture degree from USC.
Meanwhile, LaPaglia has maintained celibacy since her "blindsided" 2024 breakup, which concluded with the newly-sober star joining celebrity dating app Raya and reportedly being offered a $12 million NDA to remain silent about the relationship details. Bryan's volatile 15-month relationship with the content creator appears to have inspired at least three songs on his sixth studio album With Heaven on Top, including Skin, Plastic Cigarette and Slicked Back.
The Oklahoma native's record currently sits at number five on the Billboard Hot 200 chart since its release on January 9. Bryan will embark on his 39-date With Heaven On Tour starting March 7 in Missouri and concluding October 10 in Alabama, providing ample time for honeymooning with his new wife before the extensive touring schedule begins.
