Zach Bryan Caught in Bar Confrontation with Homophobic Remark—What’s Going On?

Zach Bryan, the country sensation behind “Something in the Orange,” found himself embroiled in a bar spat in New York City’s West Village on February 17, and it’s not your typical night out. The singer confronted a bar patron after the guy recorded their playful pool games using a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which sparked some rather heated words. In footage obtained by TMZ, Bryan joked about the glasses, saying, “I wanna rip them off your face so bad, ’cause we’re at a bar,” before things took a more serious turn.
When the patron defended his recording, Zach responded with a controversial remark that many interpreted as a homophobic slur: “That’s the gayest thing I’ve ever heard.” His friends quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation, but the moment has sparked a wave of backlash online, with fans and critics alike questioning the implications of such language, especially given the heightened discussions around LGBTQ+ rights and respect in today’s culture.
This isn’t the first time Bryan has faced scrutiny. After his breakup with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, where she alleged he attempted to buy her silence with a hefty NDA offer, fans have started keeping a closer eye on his actions. LaPaglia shared during an episode of Barstool Sports’ BFFs podcast that Bryan offered her $12 million to sign a non-disclosure agreement to keep her experiences to herself. After rejecting the “blood money,” she’s since been vocal about the warning signs she overlooked during their relationship.
The singer later took to social media to address the nasty comments aimed at him and his loved ones, saying, “No matter how bad of a person you think I am, go ahead and come for me… but do not come for my friends who do nothing but love and care for me.” While the karaoke conflicts and breakups may have fans raising their eyebrows, it seems Bryan is no stranger to controversy, walking that fine line between an artist’s life and their public persona. As the discourse continues, we can only wonder what’s next for this rising star, whose personal life seems to be stealing just as much spotlight as his music.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and TMZ, Barstool Sports, E! News