Zach Bryan is clapping back at online trolls. 

The chart-topping artist turned to social media  (Jan 9) to set the record on his highly publicized breakup with Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia. In confidence, Bryan called out the cyberbullies and defended his friends. 

Within a string of Instagram stories, he slammed "couch warriors" who have been attacking his loved ones ever since news of his split with LaPaglia broke. He also mentioned that his relationship with music has changed since the backlash. 

"Everyone wonders why I quit touring and don't want to be attached to music anymore," he wrote. "Meanwhile you're calling my friends ugly and harassing them?" 

The drama started when LaPaglia accused Bryan of emotional abuse during their year-long relationship and said she was "blindsided" when he announced their breakup in October. While Bryan didn't dive into the specifics of her accusations, he made it crystal clear that going after his friends was crossing the line.

@zachlanebryan

Ill listen to the river & have you ever seen the rain

♬ original sound - Zach Bryan

"I'm not asking for sympathy, but going for my friends is so low and so messed up? Apparently I've [had] four different girlfriends in like two weeks meanwhile my friends and me are just laughing and hanging out like we always have," Bryan clarified. 

The hitmaker also shut down rumors about his dating life – revealing he's not currently seeing anyone and doesn't plan to anytime soon. "I'm allowed to have love, laughter, and good people in my life, no matter what anyone thinks," he said. 

But it wasn't just about defending his inner circle –the GRAMMY Award-winner made it clear he's unbothered by the hate that's been coming his way.  And he didn't stop there. Bryan went on to call out the online naysayers who think they can take moral high ground from behind a screen.

"No matter how bad of a person you think I am, go ahead and come for me," he egged fans on. "I can take all the hatred because I'm not a child. But do not come for my friends who do nothing but love and care for me. I love my life. I have worked REALLY hard for it. Whether you think I deserve it or not." 

@zachlanebryan

gone acoustic

♬ original sound - Zach Bryan

He continued, "Stop being such sad fat-fingered internet sleuths to my friends. We're all humans and I'm so tired of people thinking social media is a way to have a mortal high ground on people THEYVE never met?"

Since the breakup, some fans believe Bryan's following has only grown stronger, showing that "cancel culture" doesn't always break a star – it can actually make them shine brighter. Despite staying quiet through much of the drama, Bryan's rare comments defending his friends offer a fresh perspective, leaving fans to reflect on the complexity of public relationships and the scrutiny that comes with fame.

With LaPaglia  being vocal about the incident, Zach's perspective serves as a reminder that there are always two sides to every story, leaving fans to reflect on the complexities of public scrutiny. Since speaking out, he has made his Instagram private.