Country music star Zach Bryan has ignited fresh online debate after fans pointed out the striking resemblance between his new girlfriend, Samantha Leonard, and his ex-partner, podcaster Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia.
The Pink Skies singer, 29, began dating Leonard earlier this year following his highly publicized split from LaPaglia, 26, in 2024 after roughly a year together. However, fans quickly noticed the uncanny similarities between the two women — with some, including LaPaglia herself, referring to Leonard as a “clone” of Bryan’s ex.
In a recent Instagram post celebrating Leonard’s birthday, Bryan shared several affectionate photos of the couple, including one of them cozying up at a picnic bench and another of Leonard proudly holding a fish. In his caption, the country star gushed, “From bull runs to all the bulls**t, today is your birthday and I love you, Samantha Marie.” He continued, “To the only woman who can hike six miles in Chanel flats, skydive over the Alps, and catch a bigger fish than me all in the same day.”
Perhaps anticipating the flood of comparison comments, Bryan disabled the comment section on the post. Despite his discretion, discussion quickly spread on social media, with fans on TikTok and X noting that the two women look “identical.”
LaPaglia addressed the growing conversation during an episode of her Plan Bri Uncut podcast, calling Bryan’s choice of partner “narcissism textbook 101.” She added, “That’s what narcissists do — they just go and find another version of you to date.”
Her Barstool Sports colleague Dave Portnoy weighed in as well, labeling Bryan a “psychopath” and quipping that it appeared the singer had “built a Brianna 2.0.”
LaPaglia, who said she has since blocked Bryan on all platforms, admitted she dyed her hair to avoid constant comparisons. “I’m flattered, honestly, but it’s exhausting,” she said. “Every time he posts a photo, people message me thinking we got back together. I literally dyed my hair for this reason.”
Despite the online frenzy, LaPaglia expressed a sense of closure about the situation: “It’s crazy and weird that he’s dating a new version of me, but who cares at this point?”
Bryan, meanwhile, appears unfazed by the scrutiny, continuing to share glimpses of his relationship with Leonard while remaining focused on his music — and, it seems, on leaving his tumultuous past behind.#newsafro_
