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You’ve probably seen the photos. Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia stepping onto the red carpet at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes, looking absolutely untouchable. It was a moment. Actually, for anyone who follows the Barstool star’s life even casually, it was the moment of 2025.
She wasn't just there to see the awards. She was there to take her power back.
Most people know the broad strokes: the messy breakup with country superstar Zach Bryan, the public statements, and the "revenge dress" that essentially broke the internet. But what actually happened with the Brianna Chickenfry Golden Globes appearance goes a lot deeper than a metallic gown and a high-profile guest list. It was a full-circle moment for a woman who, just a year prior, felt like her world was being controlled by someone else.
The "Ruined" Golden Globes of 2024
To understand why the 2025 appearance mattered so much, we have to talk about what happened at the 2024 ceremony. Brianna eventually went on her BFFs podcast and the Hot Mess podcast with Alix Earle to spill the tea.
She revealed that her ex, Zach Bryan, allegedly "ruined" her first Golden Globes experience.
The story is pretty gut-wrenching if you've ever felt small in a relationship. Brianna claimed that Zach hated her dress—a gorgeous, sheer silver number. Apparently, the tension was so thick that she didn't even feel like she could enjoy the night. Imagine being at one of the most prestigious events in Hollywood and feeling like you have to hide.
That’s the context she was carrying when she stepped out in 2025.
The Dress That Changed Everything
When Brianna arrived at the 2025 Golden Globes, she didn't go for subtle. She wore what fashion critics immediately labeled the "ultimate revenge dress."
It was a metallic, plunging sweetheart gown designed by Danielle & Alix. It featured ruched detailing and a strapless silhouette that didn't just highlight her style—it put her tattoos on full display. It felt like a middle finger to the idea of being "dimmed" or controlled.
Interestingly, it wasn't even her first choice.
Brianna shared on her Instagram Stories that she actually switched dresses at the last minute. She almost wore a sheer silver halter dress (perhaps a nod to the previous year?), but she pivoted to the metallic look that ultimately defined the night. Her glam was handled by Alexis Oakley, featuring a glowy, bronzed complexion that made her look like she hadn't spent the last three months in the middle of a tabloid firestorm.
Stepping Out with Josh Richards
One of the biggest talking points of the Brianna Chickenfry Golden Globes red carpet was her "date." She wasn't alone, but she definitely wasn't with a new boyfriend.
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She walked the carpet with her BFFs co-host, Josh Richards.
It was a smart move. Josh, dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble, provided the perfect "platonic support" vibe. They even posted a cute TikTok beforehand titled "Time for Prom," where Brianna was helping him get ready. It signaled to the world that she was leaning on her real friends—the ones who stood by her when the Zach Bryan split turned into a legal and emotional battle over NDAs and $12 million "silence" offers.
The "Year of Being Single" Proclamation
While speaking to Page Six on the carpet, Brianna didn't hold back about her headspace. She officially proclaimed 2025 as the "year of being single."
"I want to surround myself with good people," she told reporters. "I just wanna, like, have a good aura."
It’s a sentiment that resonated with millions of her followers. After alleging emotional abuse and "love bombing" during her previous relationship, her presence at the Globes felt like a graduation. She wasn't the "plus-one" anymore. She was Brianna Chickenfry, a powerhouse in her own right, taking selfies with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo and commanding the spotlight without permission.
Why This Matters in 2026
Fast forward to today, January 2026, and the fallout of that relationship is still making waves. We just saw Zach Bryan marry Samantha Leonard on New Year’s Eve, and Brianna—ever the mastermind of the subtle dig—posted a TikTok lip-syncing to Taylor Swift’s "Mastermind" with the caption "check mate: i couldn’t lose."
The 2025 Golden Globes was the turning point. It was the moment she stopped being a character in someone else’s song and started writing her own script.
How to Channel Your Own "Revenge" Energy
If you're looking at Brianna's journey and wondering how to reclaim your own narrative after a tough season, here are a few takeaways:
- Audit Your Circle: Brianna leaned on Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards. Find the people who will release a "diss track" (metaphorically or literally) for you.
- Invest in the "Revenge" Look: It’s not about being petty; it’s about feeling like you again. If a certain style was "off-limits" in a past relationship, wear it.
- The Power of "No": Brianna famously turned down a massive NDA offer. Sometimes, your voice is worth more than any amount of hush money.
- Don't Rush the Next Chapter: She committed to a year of being single to find her "aura" again. There is immense power in being alone and being okay with it.
The Brianna Chickenfry Golden Globes story isn't just about a red carpet. It's about what happens when you decide that nobody—no matter how famous or powerful—gets to ruin your night ever again.