messy

Zach Bryan Didn’t Feel Like Showing Face at the CMA Awards

Zach Bryan In Concert - Detroit, MI
Photo: Getty Images

I’m not going to pretend like I usually watch the Country Music Association Awards. With the exception of a few artists, I really don’t need to see which white guy took home a trophy for another song about a troubling whiskey habit. This year, however, I was curious to see whether or not a certain Zach Bryan had the gall to show up amid a very messy breakup with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. Shocker: He did not.

Rather than face the world and the allegations LaPaglia has leveled against the singer — including that Bryan emotionally abused her throughout their yearlong relationship and offered her a $12 million NDA to keep quiet — it seems Bryan chose to ditch the CMA Awards in favor of hanging with his dog. Per “Page Six,” the 28-year-old posted an Instagram Story Wednesday, taking his Labrador named Jack Daniels (like I said, whiskey habits) for a beach walk on a rainy day. Given that Bryan has yet to directly respond to any of LaPaglia’s allegations, I’m sure he also wanted to avoid answering any questions on the red carpet.

Under normal circumstances, Bryan would’ve had good reason to show up to country’s glitziest night. He was nominated for a CMA Award this year for his duet with Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything.” Sadly for Bryan, he and Musgraves lost the category to Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me.” I think I heard somewhere that petty breakup maneuvers are bad karma. Better luck next year.

Zach Bryan Didn’t Feel Like Showing Face at the CMA Awards