This week for Hot Take Friday, we’re sharing various opinions on minor issues in pop culture that we think should be talked about.
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia and Zach Bryan
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is a social media influencer, known for her “BFFs” podcast (Barstool) with Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards. Zach Bryan is a country singer, known for his songs like, “I Remember Everything (feat. Kasey Musgraves),” and “Something in Orange.” The couple recently broke up after being together for about a year.
One day after Bryan broke up with LaPaglia, he posted an announcement to his Instagram story, which caught LaPaglia off guard, according to Vulture. Bryan was also spotted on Raya, the “Tinder” for celebrities, less than a day after the breakup.
LaPaglia spoke out about a $12 million NDA, according to Vulture, which Bryan offered her to keep her quiet about what happened in the relationship. She declined the NDA, sharing that she felt it was her right to share her experiences and spread awareness about abuse.
We think LaPaglia had every right to speak out on the emotional abuse she endured from Bryan. Offering a $12 million NDA feels like admittance from Bryan for his wrongdoings. He essentially made a grand offer, so that she wouldn’t reveal his “skeletons,” in other words. If LaPaglia feels great about spreading awareness of emotional abuse in relationships, then she should. She shouldn’t have to keep quiet about what Bryan did, and she doesn’t have to accept money that will be used to silence her. The big picture is that LaPaglia is helping women notice the red flags in their relationships, and that is something she shouldn’t be shamed for. People are so quick to put down a woman for standing up for herself, but we think LaPaglia did the right thing. She’s inspiring women to stand up for themselves.
Sabrina Carpenter and her “Juno” positions
Sabrina Carpenter has recently wrapped the North American leg of her "Short N' Sweet" tour. However, fans continue to discuss various moments from her live performances, some of which have left a positive impression and others that have raised eyebrows.
The song itself is quite suggestive, and her live performances have taken things to another level. She's been known to strike various poses during the song “Juno,” often involving suggestive body movements and microphone placement. These positions have been widely shared on social media, leading to both praise and criticism.
“The nightly position comes before the song's second chorus, when Carpenter sings, "Wanna try out some freaky positions? / Have you ever tried this one,” according to an article from People.
Carpenter’s backlash comes from parents who have been bringing their children to see this concert. It seems as if parents are not aware of the suggestive content, which is confusing as Carpenter makes it an obvious part of her brand. We think people are forgetting that Carpenter is no longer a Disney star. She evolved into a musician focused on her adult audience who will understand her cheeky references. Music is for everyone to enjoy, yes, but her concert is meant for adults who can laugh at and resonate with her suggestive innuendos. She is 25 years old–she makes adult decisions. It is her show, meaning she can do what she wants. Parents are failing to understand that Carpenter has grown up, and she’s no longer the “Maya Hart” character we once saw on “Girl Meets World.”
Megan Fox expecting her first child with Machine Gun Kelly
The on-and-off-again couple, who have been together for four years and are currently engaged, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, are expecting their first child. On Nov. 11, Fox announced her pregnancy via Instagram post, where she was pictured covered in black paint and holding her stomach. This image was followed by a picture of a positive pregnancy test.
According to ELLE, the couple has been working on their relationship since May this year, revealing that Fox and MGK broke off their engagement in March. The couple revealed that they are currently in therapy, dealing with “trust issues,” although they plan on being “together forever.”
This will be Fox's fourth child and MGK's second. The couple has been open about their previous struggles with miscarriage, according to ELLE, making this news heartwarming for their fans. It’s sweet that the couple finally got their rainbow baby, after last year’s miscarriage, but their relationship is concerning.
Given how many times they’ve broken up and gotten back together, their relationship is far from healthy. The bottom line is you shouldn’t have a baby to fix a relationship and you should never bring a child into a toxic situation/household. None of this will solve your relationship problems, as much as you might want it to.
Fox and MGK seem to be committed, as they keep going back to each other, whether it is for love, commitment, or other reasons. However, starting a family after a rocky four years is quite concerning. Understandably, they want to stay together–leaving a relationship is never easy–but how is forever promised when you’re always intermittent?
Esmeralda Arias is the Managing Editor of The Setonian. She can be reached at esmeralda.arias@student.shu.edu.
Dominique Mercadante is the head editor for The Setonian’s Campus Life section. She can be reached at dominique.mercadante@student.shu.edu.
