Christina Applegate Regrets Leaving Brad Pitt for a Rock Star at MTV VMAs

Christina Applegate’s decision to leave Brad Pitt for a rock star at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards has become a subject of reflection. In her memoir titled You with the Sad Eyes, released on March 3, 2023, Applegate discusses the choices she made as a teenager.

MTV VMAs: A Defining Moment

At the age of 17, Applegate rose to fame through her role in the sitcom Married … With Children. During the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, she attended the event with Pitt, who was still emerging as an actor. However, Applegate was captivated by Sebastian Bach, the lead singer of the rock band Skid Row.

Regrettable Choices

In her memoir, Applegate candidly writes about her lack of appreciation for Pitt that evening. “I had spent all night staring at Bach, who was then a long-haired hunk fronting the band Skid Row,” she recalled. Following the event, she made the impulsive choice to leave with Bach instead of Pitt, feeling a surge of confidence.

To her dismay, she quickly realized that Bach was in a committed relationship and had a child. Reflecting on this moment, Applegate described her disappointment, stating simply, “What a d—.”

The Aftermath of her Choice

Applegate’s decision did not go unnoticed by Pitt, who remained upset and reportedly did not speak to her for years following the incident. Much later, two of Pitt’s high-profile girlfriends inquired if she was the girl who left him at the awards ceremony, expressing that he still harbored resentment towards her.

Seeking Forgiveness

In her memoir, Applegate shares that time eventually led to her reconciliation with the past. She acknowledges that she was merely a kid back then and recognizes that Pitt deserved better than being left for a rock star. “It was time to forgive the child who dumped him for the lead singer of Skid Row,” she wrote.

Life After the MTV VMAs

Christina Applegate’s romantic journey continued. She married actor Johnathon Schaech in 2001, though they split in 2007. Since 2013, she has been married to bassist Martyn LeNoble. Brad Pitt, on the other hand, was married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005 and wed Angelina Jolie in 2014, before their split in 2019. He is currently in a relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon.

In reflecting on her youthful choices, Applegate humorously noted the contrast between where they both ended up. “Of course, Brad is now THE Brad Pitt, and Sebastian Bach … well, he still has long hair, I guess,” she quipped.