Zach Bryan new girlfriend: Is the singer dating Ex Brianna LaPaglia’s ‘clone’? Know who is Samantha Leonard

A fresh wave of social media scrutiny has engulfed country music star Zach Bryan after photos emerged of him with a new partner who, according to many online users, bears a striking resemblance to his former girlfriend Brianna LaPaglia. The situation has prompted widespread speculation, comparisons, and even ridicule, as the singer’s private life once again becomes the center of a very public conversation.

A Familiar Face Sparks Unfamiliar Criticism

The controversy ignited after Bryan was seen at Spain’s iconic Running of the Bulls event this July, walking closely beside a woman now identified as Samantha Leonard. Not long after the images went viral, netizens and fans began to point out what many described as an “eerie” similarity between Leonard and LaPaglia, popularly known as "Chickenfry," a content creator associated with Barstool Sports, as mentioned in a report by IBTimes UK.

The discussion took on a new intensity when Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool, weighed in on the resemblance during an episode of his podcast. Displaying side-by-side photos of the two women, Portnoy declared, “That is not Brianna. It’s crazy. How is that even possible?”


His remarks quickly found traction across Reddit and other forums, where users described Leonard as a “clone” and a “replica” of LaPaglia. One user remarked, “He built a Brianna 2.0 in the lab. That’s insane,” echoing Portnoy’s sentiments and reinforcing the narrative that Bryan's new girlfriend is almost indistinguishable from his ex, as per the IBTimes UK report.

Bitter Fallout From a High-Profile Split

Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia parted ways in 2024 after a much-publicized romance that frequently found its way into tabloids and fan forums. Tensions between the two reportedly intensified following the breakup, with LaPaglia allegedly declining a non-disclosure agreement said to be worth £10 million (approximately $13 million), aimed at keeping details of their relationship under wraps.

Further drama emerged when Bryan released a track titled “River Washed Hair,” widely interpreted by fans and critics as a lyrical reference to LaPaglia. Though the artist did not confirm the song’s inspiration, its release added fuel to ongoing speculation about the lingering animosity between the two.

A Video That Sparked Even More Controversy

The saga escalated after Bryan posted, and later deleted, a video on his Instagram account in which he burned a Barstool Sports flag before hitting a golf ball off the scorched remains. The stunt appeared to be a thinly veiled attack on LaPaglia’s professional association with the company.

In response, Portnoy lashed out at Bryan during another podcast episode, labeling him “a lunatic” and criticizing what he saw as attention-seeking behavior. “This guy is crazy,” Portnoy said. “Who does that just because your ex works there?”

This episode only intensified the public conversation around the musician's conduct and mental state, further drawing attention to his ongoing feud with the Barstool community.

The Internet Has Questions, and Concerns

Public reaction to Bryan’s new romance has been swift and skeptical. Online commenters have questioned his motivations, asking whether he sought out someone who looked exactly like his ex for emotional comfort, revenge, or sheer coincidence. Comparisons to other high-profile instances—such as Kanye West’s tendency to date Kim Kardashian lookalikes—have only fanned the flames of speculation.

“This is actually scary,” one Reddit user wrote. “It's not just a resemblance. It's like he made a photocopy of Brianna and hit reset.” Another pointedly asked, “What kind of message does this send to the new girl? That she’s only there because she looks like the last one?”

Dave Portnoy didn’t hold back in his assessment either. “How do you even find that person? And what is that girl thinking?” he said, accusing Bryan of orchestrating the relationship with calculated intent. His reaction mirrored a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike that Bryan's recent moves are more about optics than genuine connection.

FAQs

Why is Zach Bryan facing criticism online?

Zach Bryan is under fire after photos surfaced showing him with a new partner, Samantha Leonard, who many say closely resembles his ex-girlfriend, Brianna LaPaglia (aka “Chickenfry”). This resemblance sparked comparisons, speculation, and ridicule across social media platforms.

Who is Samantha Leonard?

Samantha Leonard is the woman recently seen with Zach Bryan at Spain’s Running of the Bulls event. Though not a public figure, she has drawn widespread attention due to her striking similarity to Brianna LaPaglia, Bryan’s former partner.