Behind the smile: Brianna LaPaglia breaks down as she reveals the dark truth about her relationship with Zach Bryan.

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Opens Up About Her Painful Split from Zach Bryan on Special Forces

In a deeply emotional moment on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia shared that she was struggling far more than fans realized during her highly publicized relationship with Zach Bryan.

“I would leave my house with a smile, but nobody knew what was happening,” she said through tears. “I was in a bad spot.”

LaPaglia explained that she joined the grueling Fox competition to prove something to herself after what she described as one of the darkest periods of her life.

“It’s way harder than I expected,” she admitted. “I think I’m here just to not give up. I feel like I kind of gave up on myself last year — just mentally.”

A Public Relationship Turned Painful

Bryan and LaPaglia began dating publicly in 2023, but by October 2024, the country star announced their breakup on Instagram, writing:

“Brianna and me have broken up… I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I’ll always thank her.”

He described the past year as personally difficult, adding, “I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways.”

Shortly afterward, LaPaglia opened up on her BFFs Podcast, alleging that their relationship had been emotionally abusive.

“The last year of my life has been the hardest year of my life dealing with the abuse from this dude,” she said. “It was a constant cycle of building you up, beating you down, and apologizing over and over.”

She also claimed Bryan asked her to sign an NDA, offering $12 million and a New York apartment in exchange for her silence — allegations that Bryan has not publicly addressed.

“I Lost Myself”

Reflecting on the experience during an interview earlier this year, LaPaglia said the relationship changed her completely:

“I just lost myself a little bit. I lost that free spirit I had. I couldn’t recognize myself anymore.”

She added that she had become afraid to speak freely, worried about how she would be perceived or if she might “make him mad.”

“Someone really can have so much control or power over you without you even realizing it,” she said.

Now, as she takes on Special Forces, LaPaglia says she’s determined to reclaim her strength — both mentally and emotionally. Her time on the show marks not just a physical test, but a symbolic step forward after a year of pain, healing, and rediscovery.