Hollywood breakups are usually a dime a dozen. Most of them follow a script: a "conscious uncoupling" statement, a few months of silence, and then everyone moves on to a new reality TV star. But the saga between Vanessa Marcil and Brian Austin Green is different. It’s been decades. Literal decades. Yet, here we are in 2026, and the echoes of their 2003 split are still bouncing around the internet like they happened last week.
If you grew up watching Beverly Hills, 90210, you remember when they were the "it" couple of the late '90s. She was the fiery Gina Kincaid; he was David Silver, finally graduated and trying to find his way. They met on set, fell in love, got engaged, and had a son, Kassius. Then it all went south.
Honestly, calling it a "messy split" doesn't even touch the sides.
The Toxic Label: Why Brian Austin Green Spoke Out
For years, both sides mostly kept their cards close to their vests, or at least they tried to. That changed recently when Brian went on his podcast, Oldish, and didn't hold back. He described the relationship as "toxic" and "tumultuous." He even went as far as to compare the feeling of exiting that relationship to "coming out of Vietnam."
That’s a heavy comparison.
He basically claimed that the dynamic wasn't loving or caring after the first couple of years. According to Brian, he felt like he’d lost himself entirely by the end of it. He credited his next major relationship—the one with Megan Fox—as a "breath of fresh air" because it lacked that specific brand of chaos.
But Vanessa? She’s got her own receipts.
Vanessa Marcil and the "Raised Him Alone" Narrative
The biggest point of contention isn't just how they treated each other; it’s how they parented. Vanessa has been very vocal on Instagram about being a "single mom" who raised Kassius entirely on her own. In 2023, she flat-out stated that Brian "didn't and doesn't co-parent."
Brian’s response was swift and heated. He called her claims "lies" and insisted that he and Megan Fox "busted their asses" to give Kassius a well-rounded life because, in his version of the story, Vanessa was the one who was rarely there.
Who’s telling the truth?
It’s likely somewhere in the middle. We do know there was a massive legal battle. In 2018, Vanessa claimed she spent eight years defending herself in court after Brian and Megan allegedly sued for full custody. She said they lost that case, and the judge called their filings "frivolous." For a long time, there was a visible estrangement between Brian and Kassius, which seemed to heal around 2019 when Kassius finally visited the 90210 set to see his dad.
The Graduation Text Heard 'Round the World
Just when things seemed to be settling, the "toxic" comments from Brian’s podcast dropped in mid-2025. Vanessa didn't write a long essay in response. Instead, she posted a screenshot of a text exchange with someone saved as "Kassius' Dad."
- The Text: A photo of Kassius.
- The Question: Brian asks when the photo was taken.
- The Punchline: Vanessa replies, "Yesterday was his graduation."
- The Reaction: Brian allegedly responds, "You did a really great job. He’s an amazing person."
By posting that, Vanessa was subtly making a point: How can you call me toxic and claim I wasn't there when you’re texting me telling me I did a "great job" raising him? ## Where They Stand Today
Kassius is 23 now. He’s an adult with his own life, and he’s been remarkably graceful considering his parents have been airing their grievances in the digital town square for his entire conscious life. He recently came out as gay, and Vanessa has been his fiercest protector against online trolls, while Brian has expressed that he’s worked hard to understand and support his son’s journey.
But don't expect a joint family Thanksgiving anytime soon.
Brian is currently engaged to Dancing with the Stars pro Sharna Burgess, and they have a young son named Zane. He seems focused on his "new" life, though he admits the scars from the Vanessa era changed how he approaches relationships. Vanessa continues to be an open book on social media, often engaging with fans about the "truth" of her past.
Key Takeaways from the Feud
If you're looking for lessons in this celebrity car wreck, there are a few:
- Court documents don't always tell the whole story. Both parties have cited legal wins, but the emotional toll of an eight-year custody battle clearly hasn't faded.
- Social media is a weapon. Both stars use their platforms to "set the record straight," but it often just ends up reigniting old flames.
- The kids are the ones in the middle. Despite the drama, Kassius seems to have maintained a relationship with both, which is a miracle in itself.
To truly understand the dynamic, you have to look at the timeline of their public statements versus their private actions. While the "toxic" label is what makes the headlines, the quiet moments—like the graduation text—suggest that even in the most fractured relationships, there are glimpses of recognition for the work put into raising a child.
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What to do next: If you're following this story, keep an eye on Brian’s Oldish podcast for more "retrospective" looks at his past. On the flip side, Vanessa's Instagram remains the place for "receipts." Just remember that in any high-profile split, there are three versions of the truth: hers, his, and the one that actually happened behind closed doors.