Country music star Zach Bryan recently took a firm stand against online trolls who targeted his friends with hurtful comments. The 28-year-old artist expressed his frustrations through a series of Instagram Stories, where he addressed the unwarranted criticism and harassment directed at his close circle.
In his heartfelt posts, Zach made it clear that while he can handle negative remarks about himself, he draws the line when it comes to his friends being insulted or attacked. His message was both personal and powerful, emphasizing the importance of respecting others, even in the digital space.
Calling Out Hurtful Behavior
Zach began by addressing the behavior of those who made assumptions about his personal life. Some online users speculated that he was in a relationship, leading to attacks on his friends. He firmly called out these individuals, referring to them as “couch warriors” who hide behind screens to spread negativity.
He said, “Everyone wonders why I quit touring and don’t want to be attached to music anymore. Meanwhile, you’re calling my friends ugly and harassing them.” He expressed disbelief that his friendships were being misconstrued and his friends unfairly targeted.
Zach made it clear that his friends were simply part of his normal life. “Apparently, I’ve had four different girlfriends in two weeks, but in reality, my friends and I are just laughing and hanging out like we always do,” he explained.
Protecting His Loved Ones
Throughout his posts, Zach showed unwavering support for his friends, emphasizing their positive impact on his life. He stated that while he does not currently have a girlfriend and does not plan to have one anytime soon, his friends are an essential part of his world.
He wrote, “No matter how bad of a person you think I am, go ahead and come for me. 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.”
The artist also shared his frustration about how social media has become a place for people to judge and criticize others. He questioned why some individuals feel the need to hide behind screens and make cruel comments, adding, “We’re all humans. I’m so tired of people thinking social media is a way to have a moral high ground on people they’ve never met.”
The Strain of Fame
Zach opened up about the challenges he has faced during his rise to fame. He shared that the negativity he and his friends experience on social media has made it increasingly difficult for him to enjoy his career and personal life.
“Every day I get closer to never being in the public eye again,” he admitted, revealing the toll that constant online harassment has taken on him. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the life he has built and the hard work that got him there. “I love my life and worked REALLY hard for it,” he wrote.
The country star also addressed unsolicited advice from strangers, explaining that he has already faced significant challenges in his life, including losing his mother and being in war zones. “Respectfully, I don’t need your unsolicited advice,” he stated firmly.
Standing Strong Against Negativity
Zach concluded his Instagram posts with a powerful message about resilience and self-respect. While he acknowledged that he is “terrifyingly unfazed” by fake comments about himself, he made it clear that attacks on his loved ones are unacceptable.
He declared, “I’ve said what I need to say. My chest is still out, and heads are still held high. Hopping off here for a bit—see ya.”
This strong and heartfelt response highlighted Zach’s determination to protect his friends and maintain his values, even in the face of relentless negativity.