Zach Bryan made headlines on New Year’s Day with the joyous announcement of his marriage to Samantha Leonard, ending months of speculation from fans. This news comes on the heels of Bryan’s previous high-profile relationship with Barstool Sports personality Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, a connection that has not gone unnoticed by observers, particularly Barstool founder Dave Portnoy.
Portnoy, who has been vocal in his criticism of Bryan, took to social media to comment on the marriage announcement, pointing out the striking resemblance between Leonard and LaPaglia. He shared a TMZ post about the marriage, quipping, “There ain’t no way that ain’t a Brianna robot. Ain’t no way.” The comment sparked a wave of reactions, with many agreeing about the similarities and expressing astonishment at the situation.
A variety of responses flooded in, from fans remarking on how “weird” it was to others suggesting that Bryan has a distinct “type.” Some even referred to the perceived similarities as “creepy,” citing LaPaglia’s previous allegations of abuse during her breakup with Bryan in late 2024.
On the other side, there were supporters of Bryan who defended him, countering Portnoy’s jabs with comments about the positivity of his new relationship. Some suggested that Leonard is a “Brianna upgrade,” while others criticized Portnoy’s continued fixation on Bryan.
Speculation about Bryan and Leonard’s engagement had begun to circulate in late 2024, driven by fans who noticed them wearing rings in discreet social media clips. The marriage announcement has now confirmed those suspicions, bringing a new chapter in Bryan’s life amidst the public scrutiny.
As Bryan starts this new journey with Leonard, fans remain divided, but many express hope for his happiness in this new relationship.