Actress Christina Applegate revisited a memorable moment from the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she left Brad Pitt—her date at the time—to leave with another man. This surprising revelation comes from her new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, which details experiences from her youth, including this particular night when she was just 17 and already famous for her role on Married… with Children. The story centers around her choosing to leave the awards show with Sebastian Bach, the lead singer of Skid Row, rather than Brad Pitt, marking an unusual turn for the young star and her date.
The Night That Changed Their Friendship
In the memoir, Applegate explains how she invited Brad Pitt, who was still early in his acting career, to accompany her to the Gala. She describes wearing a stunning Ceil Chapman gown that made her feel powerful and confident that evening.
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, who had been admiring Bach throughout the night, made the choice to depart with the rock star rather than Pitt, who was not yet the widely known actor he would become after his familiar role in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise.
Following the decision, Brad Pitt ended up driving Applegate’s mother and a friend home, while she left with Bach. This incident caused tension between Applegate and Pitt.
Not surprisingly, [he] was subsequently very mad at me. We didn’t talk for many years after that,
she wrote, adding,
Eventually, we agreed that I’d been a kid, and though he’d deserved much better, it was time to forgive the child who dumped him for the lead singer of Skid Row.
Earlier Hints and Denials About the MTV VMAs Incident
Years before revealing these details, Applegate was questioned about this night on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2015. At that time, she declined to name the man she left Brad Pitt for. When Cohen pressed for the identity of the mystery man, she coyly replied,
How many fifths do I get? … I have to say it? I don’t have to do nothin’!
Applegate disclosed the man was famous, but not an actor, and confirmed neither she nor Pitt dated anyone else from that incident. She also clarified that she never dated Pitt after that night.
Context from Applegate’s Memoir and Its Broader Themes
Beyond this viral story, Applegate’s memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, explores deeper themes including her childhood, struggles with abusive relationships, motherhood, and health battles such as breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. In a recent interview, she reflected on the book’s purpose:
We all have come from somewhere, some places more painful than others, and it’s what you do with it, I guess,
and added,
This is not an inspirational book by any means. But it can inspire.
The memoir is currently available in bookstores and online.
Significance of This Revelation and What Lies Ahead
This candid disclosure about the MTV VMAs incident sheds light on a little-known chapter in the early lives of both Christina Applegate and Brad Pitt, highlighting how decisions made in youthful moments can linger for years. It also reflects the pressures of young fame and the uncertain paths stars navigate in their careers and personal lives. As Applegate continues sharing her story, readers gain insight into the complexities behind celebrity facades and the human experiences beneath them.
