AceShowbiz - Christina Applegate has opened up about a little-known romantic chapter involving herself, Brad Pitt, and Sebastian Bach in her new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, released on March 3, 2026. The 54-year-old actress shares candid insights into her early Hollywood days, including a revealing story about a love triangle during the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

Known widely for her role as Kelly Bundy on Married... with Children, Applegate reveals that her real-life dating life was as complex as her TV character’s. She recounts a brief romance with then up-and-coming actor Brad Pitt, who was 62 at the time of her memoir’s publication, and her decision to leave him for rock star Sebastian Bach, who was 57 in 2026.

Applegate shares that she and Pitt were part of the same social circles and initially friendly. “We had been platonic pals for the longest time,” she writes, recalling how Pitt would often visit her modest 750-square-foot home for barbecues and casual gatherings with a larger group of friends. Their relationship slowly evolved from friendship to mutual attraction, with her admitting she “took another look” at Pitt one day, and he apparently felt the same.

One standout moment in her story is the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, where she asked Pitt to be her date. At the event, Applegate wore a vintage silk driving scarf paired with a floral dress and black pumps, while Pitt sported a black suit jacket and floral undershirt. The pair appeared stylish and amicable as she took the stage as a presenter.

In her memoir, she praises Pitt as a gentleman, describing how he drove to pick up her mother, Nancy Priddy, and then-girlfriend of Johnny Depp, Lori Allison, to attend the ceremony. Applegate needed to rehearse early, and Pitt was kind enough to handle transportation logistics.

However, the evening took a dramatic turn. At just 17 years old during the awards, Applegate admits she became captivated by Sebastian Bach, the lead singer of Skid Row, who was at the peak of his fame. She contrasts his rockstar status with Pitt’s then-uncertain acting career, noting, “Brad back then was still making his way as an actor, and he wasn't yet THE Brad Pitt, the man of so many people's dreams.”

After the show, Applegate left with Bach, leaving Pitt to drive her mother and Lori Allison home. She recounts that on the way back, Pitt nearly got into a fight with gang members at a gas station and was understandably upset. The fallout led to years without communication between her and Pitt.

Despite this painful episode, Applegate writes that the romance with Bach never truly blossomed. Over time, she and Pitt reconciled, with him forgiving her youthful mistake. “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,” she reflects.

In response to the resurfaced story, Bach spoke to Billboard in March 2026. He expressed surprise at the renewed attention but offered apologies if anyone was hurt. “I was a single guy on tour, in a band, and I met a lot of girls,” he said. “If I hurt anybody, I apologize for it.” He likened the experience to being on a roller-coaster, describing the whirlwind nature of young rock 'n' roll life and the challenges of navigating relationships amidst fame.

Applegate’s memoir not only delves into her romantic past but also touches on her personal health battles. While she briefly discusses her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, double mastectomies, and struggles with body image, the book’s primary focus remains on her Hollywood journey and the complexities of life in the spotlight.

The actress has previously been open about her mental and physical health challenges on her podcast, “MeSsy,” but You With the Sad Eyes offers a broader, more intimate glimpse into her life story, including her encounters with two iconic figures, Pitt and Bach, during a defining moment in her youth.