Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is not asking for anyone’s permission. At 25, the popular podcast host 

and social media influencer is using her platform in ways that go beyond just entertaining her audience. 

Recently, she made her debut as the cover model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital issue, 

and her decision to appear in the issue marks not just a career milestone, but a personal one.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, LaPaglia opened up about the significance of the moment.

For her, it’s more than just a photo shoot. It’s a way to move forward after a tough breakup with her ex-boyfriend, country music star Zach Bryan. 

“It is just, on a petty level, my favorite f— you,” LaPaglia said with a laugh, describing how the opportunity to appear on the cover felt like a way of taking back control after a painful chapter in her life. She added, “This is me, and I wanted to do this, and now I’m on the digital cover.”

LaPaglia and Bryan had been dating since the summer of 2023, but their relationship ended in the fall. Since then, LaPaglia has been outspoken about the emotional toll the relationship took on her. She has described the experience as emotionally abusive, even claiming that Bryan’s team offered her $12 million to sign a nondisclosure agreement after their breakup. The breakup, though challenging, has allowed LaPaglia to connect with her audience in a more meaningful way.

A Platform for Change

LaPaglia’s candidness about her struggles has led to many women reaching out to her, sharing their own stories of emotional abuse. For LaPaglia, this has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey. “During the hardest time of my life, it’s probably been one of the most rewarding things that has ever happened to me, to be able to help people in a way that I feel is a lot more meaningful than what my old content was,” she explained. While LaPaglia’s previous content was light-hearted and fun, it’s her more vulnerable posts that have resonated with many, allowing her to be a support system for others going through similar challenges.

However, not everyone believes LaPaglia’s story. She has faced criticism from some on social media, with detractors accusing her of speaking out for attention. In response to these critics, LaPaglia expressed her frustration, saying, “I just wish I could hang out with each of my haters one-on-one… I’d say, ‘I wish you could just see me for who I actually am, not this like reflection of the s— cycle on TikTok.’” She explained that TikTok’s algorithm tends to amplify negativity, making it difficult for her to share her authentic self in a positive light.

Reclaiming Her Life and Identity

LaPaglia’s Sports Illustrated cover symbolizes more than just a career achievement; it represents her reclaiming her identity and autonomy. “It’s a lot more than me looking quote-unquote hot in a swimsuit—it’s me reclaiming who I am as a woman, reclaiming my body and my decisions and my choices,” LaPaglia said. She emphasized that her decision to participate in the shoot is about taking control of her narrative. “This cover is me being me again and taking control of my life. This is my body; my body isn’t that experience.”

Reflecting on her relationship with Bryan, LaPaglia shared how she felt as though she had to “dim herself down” to fit into his world. “When I walk into a room, I want to talk to everyone,” she said, adding that Bryan had issues with her being too outgoing or taking attention away from him. Since the breakup, LaPaglia feels she’s returned to her true self. She described how she’s rediscovered her spark for life, from striking up conversations with strangers to reconnecting with old friends.

One moment that stands out to LaPaglia is her decision to back out of hosting the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s 60th-anniversary red carpet event last year. At the time, Bryan had told her that attending the event would be “trashy.” LaPaglia’s decision to cancel was one of many instances where she felt compelled to make herself smaller to appease someone else.

Looking Toward the Future

Now that she’s free from the constraints of her past relationship, LaPaglia is embracing new opportunities and is no longer concerned with living up to the expectations of others. She shared her excitement about the potential U.S. TikTok ban, joking, “Let’s get rid of this horrible, hateful app.” She’s also distancing herself from the world of A-list celebrities, recognizing that their glamorous lifestyles aren’t as fulfilling as they may seem. “Their lives seem a lot s—-ier than my family’s back home, where they are just regular people who are happy and alive,” LaPaglia said.

As LaPaglia continues to find her voice, her appearance in Sports Illustrated is a powerful statement of self-empowerment. It’s a declaration that she’s not waiting for permission—she’s taking charge of her narrative, reclaiming her body, and forging a path that is all her own.

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