Christina Applegate Opens Up About MTV VMAs Incident That Strained Relationship with Brad Pitt
Christina Applegate has candidly shared a revealing anecdote from her past involving Hollywood icon Brad Pitt, detailing how a single decision at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards led to years of silence between them. In her newly released memoir, You With The Sad Eyes, the acclaimed actress reflects on this pivotal moment that strained their friendship for an extended period.
The Fateful MTV VMAs Date That Went Awry
In 1989, a 17-year-old Applegate was part of a social circle that included a then relatively unknown actor named Brad Pitt. Their relationship was purely platonic until mutual curiosity sparked romantic interest. Applegate secured an invitation to the prestigious MTV Video Music Awards and asked Pitt to accompany her as her date.
Pitt graciously drove to her home to pick up not only Applegate but also her mother, actress Nancy Priddy, and her best friend Lori Allison, who was previously married to Johnny Depp. The group arrived at the event together, with Applegate required to attend early for professional obligations.
Sebastian Bach Enters the Picture
However, any potential romance between Applegate and Pitt was abruptly derailed when the young actress encountered musician Sebastian Bach, the charismatic frontman of the rock band Skid Row. Bach, described by Applegate as a "long-haired hunk," captivated her attention completely.
"I felt so powerful and sure of myself for once that when the awards show was over, I left with Sebastian Bach, not Brad Pitt," Applegate confesses in her memoir. She acknowledges that at the time, Pitt was still establishing his acting career and had not yet achieved his current superstar status.
The Aftermath and Years of Silence
After being unexpectedly abandoned, Pitt found himself in the awkward position of driving Applegate's mother and friend home alone. The journey proved particularly stressful when he nearly became involved in a confrontation with gang members at a petrol station. Understandably, Pitt was "subsequently very mad" at Applegate for her actions.
"We didn't talk for many years after that," Applegate reveals. The rift between them persisted until much later, when two of Pitt's high-profile girlfriends separately approached her to ask if she was indeed "the girl who left Brad behind at the MTV Video Music Awards." Pitt had apparently shared his lingering frustration about the incident with both partners.
Reconciliation and Reflection
Eventually, Applegate and Pitt managed to reconcile their differences. They agreed that she had been young and immature at the time, and while Pitt deserved better treatment, it was appropriate to forgive her teenage indiscretion. Applegate humorously notes in her memoir that while Pitt has since become "THE Brad Pitt," Sebastian Bach "still has long hair, I guess."
This isn't the first time Applegate has referenced this incident publicly. She previously alluded to it during a 2015 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, though she didn't name Bach specifically at that time. The musician himself confirmed his involvement the following year while promoting his autobiography, proudly declaring, "That dude would be me."
Applegate's memoir provides comprehensive insights into her remarkable career, which began at age 15 with her breakout role as Kelly Bundy on the iconic sitcom Married... With Children. The book also addresses her personal journey since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, offering readers a poignant look at her life beyond the spotlight.
