Barstool Sports' Brianna LaPaglia addressed rumors about her relationship with singer-songwriter Zach Bryan on the recent episode of her podcast "PlanBri Uncut." LaPaglia clarified that she started hanging out with Zach about three weeks ago and described their connection as fun and casual. She wanted to address the speculation because there has been a strong reaction online, but she emphasized that they are simply enjoying each other's company without any serious commitments.
LaPaglia and Bryan, both 27, initially sparked dating speculation when they appeared together in a TikTok video alongside a group of friends. The rumors gained momentum in June when LaPaglia made a surprise appearance on stage during Bryan's "Revival" performance at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City as part of his Burn Burn Burn American Tour.
Reflecting on the frenzy surrounding her love life, LaPaglia described the online conversations as "crazy" during a podcast episode with her cohost, Grace O'Malley. She expressed her surprise, admitting that she had hoped to keep this aspect of her personal life hidden from the internet.
She expressed her frustration with internet speculation and the inaccuracies surrounding her personal life. LaPaglia emphasized the importance of sharing her truth before the internet could create false narratives about her. Currently, she feels content with her relationship with Bryan and looks forward to the future. LaPaglia values her loved ones who are aware of her actions and the timeline of events. She questions why she should give importance to internet users who fabricate stories, deeming it foolish.
Brianna LaPaglia, Zach Bryan. CraSH/Shutterstock; Casey Flanigan/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
The exact start of their relationship was unspecified, but they first met earlier this year at the 2023 ACM Awards. LaPaglia uploaded a YouTube vlog on May 22 titled "Encounter with Zach Bryan at the American Country Music Awards." In the video, she not only kept track of how many times she mentioned his name but also showed her reaction of excitement when she met Bryan on the red carpet.
"I find myself sitting there, feeling unsure about how to engage in conversation unless I'm flirting. Sir, I genuinely want to respect your boundaries. Could we please take a picture together?" she recounted their interaction. "He is genuinely the kindest man I have ever encountered in my entire life. ... We had the pleasure of meeting Zach Bryan, and ever since, our smiles haven't faded."
In a sneak peek of Thursday's podcast, observant fans were quick to spot LaPaglia wearing a black and white baseball cap reminiscent of the one Bryan has frequently donned in recent Instagram posts.
Brianna LaPaglia on the ‘PlanBri Uncut’ podcast. Courtesy of PlanBri Uncut Barstool Sports/Instagram
Bryan has refrained from directly addressing the speculation surrounding his personal life. He was previously married to Rose Madden from 2020 to 2021, and subsequently began a relationship with Debra Peifer that has since ended. In a tweet on May 31, Bryan revealed that he and Peifer had gone their separate ways approximately a week and a half prior. He emphasized the importance of respecting their privacy during this difficult period as they cherish the memories and good times they shared.