Grace O’Malley, a 22-year-old comedian, has made an announcement. She shared on her Instagram Story that she is officially leaving Barstool Sports. In a photo uploaded alongside an explanation, she revealed that it is her last day at Barstool. O’Malley expressed gratitude to everyone at the company and to Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy for giving her the opportunity. She also humorously noted the absence of typos in her statement. O’Malley, who transitioned from a social media personality to a stand-up comic, had been a cohost of Barstool’s PlanBri Uncut alongside Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. The podcast, which featured comedic episodes on navigating life in your twenties, released its final episode on October 20. Following O’Malley’s departure, rumors circulated online about the co-hosts’ friendship status. Representatives for LaPaglia, O’Malley, and Barstool did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. The news of O’Malley’s exit comes shortly after LaPaglia addressed their friendship on the BFFs podcast, mentioning her split from Zach Bryan and alleging emotional abuse that O’Malley did not defend her from. Despite the challenges, LaPaglia expressed love and appreciation for their time on PlanBri and explained her decision to speak out. She detailed the progression of their podcast and the breakdown of their friendship, leading to the end of PlanBri Uncut in October. LaPaglia emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for herself.
In the early days of December, there was a hint dropped by LaPaglia about a fresh rendition of PlanBri Uncut that did not include the presence of O’Malley. This hint was shared on her Instagram Stories right around the time when Spotify Wrapped made its appearance. Following this reveal, O’Malley took to her own Instagram Stories on December 6 to officially confirm the conclusion of her tenure on the podcast.
O’Malley expressed that she was taken aback upon learning of LaPaglia’s new direction for the podcast, stating that it was news to her. She shared her sentiments with Us Weekly, mentioning that she felt a mix of emotions – pride in what they had constructed together, nostalgia for the years gone by, and a profound sense of sadness that this particular chapter was coming to a close. Despite the bittersweet nature of the situation, O’Malley revealed that they had mutually agreed to issue a joint statement. In accordance with this agreement, she replied to the developments, shed some tears, and made the decision to refrain from sharing or commenting on the matter until the appropriate moment arrived.
Reflecting on her time spent on the podcast, O’Malley expressed that it held a special place in her heart, labeling it as the highlight of this particular period in her life. She conveyed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with her closest confidante, emphasizing the value of their partnership. Additionally, she affirmed her commitment to remaining a part of the Barstool family, assuring her followers that she would continue to engage in lively discussions on a weekly basis.
This intriguing saga, which unfolded over social media platforms, captured the attention of fans and followers who were keen to understand the dynamics between Brianna Chickenfry and Grace O’Malley. The delicate dance between professional partnerships and personal relationships was brought to the forefront, as individuals observed the complexities that can arise when collaborations shift and evolve.
As the news circulated and conversations ensued, it became evident that the bond between these two podcast personalities was not just a professional alliance, but a deep-rooted friendship that had endured challenges and triumphs. The public response to O’Malley’s departure from PlanBri Uncut underscored the impact that their partnership had on listeners, who had grown accustomed to the chemistry and camaraderie displayed on the show.
Looking ahead, the future of the podcast remains uncertain, with questions lingering about its direction and tone in the absence of O’Malley. While changes are inevitable in the world of media and entertainment, the imprint left by Chickenfry and O’Malley’s collaboration serves as a testament to the power of genuine connection and shared creativity.
In the realm of digital content creation, where trends come and go, and personalities rise and fall, the tale of Brianna Chickenfry and Grace O’Malley stands out as a poignant reminder of the bonds that can form in the most unexpected of places. Their journey together, marked by laughter, disagreements, and heartfelt moments.
