Brianna ‘Chickenfry’ LaPaglia stuns as SI swimsuit cover model

On By Littum

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is turning a new page personally and professionally.

On Wednesday, the Barstool Sports personality made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut as cover model for the publication’s digital edition from January 2025where she talked about “reclaiming” herself after a messy breakup with country singer Zach Bryan last fall.

“It’s a lot more than I look quote-unquote hot in a bathing suit — it is me reclaiming who I am as a woman, reclaiming my body and my decisions and my choices. This cover is me being me again and taking control of my life. This is my body; my body is not that experience, and even though I’m not 100% in it right now, it is me. This has nothing to do with anybody else,” said the 25-year-old LaPaglia.

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia covers the January 2025 digital issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Sports Illustrated/Katherine Gogue
She shot on location in LaQuinta, California. Sports Illustrated/Katherine Gogue

Bryan was first linked in 2023 and revealed last October that he and LaPaglia had split via a social media announcement – something that surprised LaPaglia.

“I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up,” an emotional LaPaglia said in a YouTube video.

“He didn’t text me, he didn’t call me.”

Shortly after the split, LaPaglia alleged Bryan offered her $12 million if she signed a non-disclosure agreement prohibiting her from discussing their relationship.

In her SI Swimsuit cover story, Brianna LaPaglia talked about “reclaiming” herself after her breakup with Zach Bryan. Billboard via Getty Images

“After everything was done, I was approached by (Bryan’s) team and I was offered a lot of money, a big lump sum and a couple of options,” she said on a November 2024 edition of the “BFFs” podcast with Barstool founder Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards.

LaPaglia, who also accused Bryan of emotional abusespoke with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit about what it means to regain her confidence.

Brianna LaPaglia has previously spoken out about Zach Bryan, alleging emotional abuse. YouTube

“When I walk into a room, I want to talk to everyone. When the relationship first started, it became a problem for him; I talked too much, or I did being too much and maybe the spotlight wasn’t on him enough. This is how he made me feel: Oh, I have to calm myself“, she explained.

“I’m walking down the street, I’m at the crosswalk – I’m striking up a conversation. I’m in the bodega talking to the bodega guy for 20 minutes too long now. I’m finally talking to my hairdresser again where I used to just sit in the chair . I find the little spark of life in myself now that a person who always felt like a doomsday cloud is gone.”

Being the newest addition to the SI family, LaPaglia — who shot on location in LaQuinta, Calif. — isn’t mad about sticking it to her ex.

Brianna LaPaglia moved out to the Golden Globes in January 2025. Kevin MazurGetty Images

“It’s just, on a small level, my favorite f — you. It’s me and I wanted to do this and now I’m on the digital cover,” she said.

Weeks before her digital cover reveal, LaPaglia spoke candidly about closing the “worst f-king” chapter that was 2024 and looking forward to new beginnings.

“On a serious note, this year changed my life for the better, taught me more than I could have ever imagined and really shaped me as a woman,” she posted on Instagram on January 1.

“The misfortunes we are met with throughout life are always entangled with consolations.”