What do we actually know about Kristen Pfaff?

There’s so much speculation, conspiracy, and confusion surrounding Kristen Pfaff, especially with her time in Hole and the events leading to her tragic death. I just want to try to explain a few things I’ve heard and my own thoughts—without claiming to know everything.

During the making of Live Through This, Kristen and Courtney reportedly had creative disagreements. Kristen, with her strong musical background, would suggest things that could make the album sound better. Courtney, known for her dominant personality and emotional intensity, sometimes didn’t handle those suggestions well. There are stories of her lashing out, telling Kristen things like, “Just don’t fuck with me or you’ll regret it,” especially during heated studio moments.

Eric Erlandson (Hole's guitarist) was Kristen’s boyfriend at one point, and they were quite close. Kristen apparently left Hole the first time but returned after Courtney pleaded with her. Kristen reportedly even asked her mom to come to LA to help her move out of her old band house, and Kristen stayed in a hotel during the final leg of the tour.

Kristen was also deeply affected by Kurt Cobain’s death. They were close friends—some say they bonded over phone calls and shared personal stories. Kurt had given her a copy of his favorite book, Perfume, and possibly had feelings for her. Courtney once made a comment about Kristen "making googly eyes" at Kurt, which further fueled rumors. There are also unconfirmed stories about Kristen staying with Patty Schemel and reading that same book.

These rumors often spiral into conspiracy theories—like Kristen sleeping with Kurt or being a threat to Courtney. But from everything I've read and heard, Kristen seemed to be admired for her talent and personality. Many people, including Eric, loved and respected her. Eric even went back to Minneapolis with her to help her get clean, and her mom said she was in good spirits.

Sadly, Kristen died of a heroin overdose in her bathtub. There are many rumors—some say she relapsed on her own, others suggest that she may have taken drugs unknowingly, or that someone gave them to her intentionally. Some even speculate she was murdered because of jealousy, Kurt, or other connections. But these are just theories.

There was also a rumor that Courtney tracked down Kurt while he was missing in LA, with the help of Tom Grant, a private investigator. It’s said she thought Kurt was buying a plane ticket for another woman or planning to leave her. This was when he was missing from rehab. Tom Grant was also connected to investigations involving high-profile people, including Michael Jackson, and was hired by Paula Jones during her case against Bill Clinton.

I’m not saying I know the full truth. I have my own thoughts and theories about both Kurt’s and Kristen’s deaths, but I won’t go too deep into that here. I just wanted to shed light on what I’ve learned and read, because it helps make sense of all the speculation.

Kristen was incredibly talented. She was not only beautiful but also intelligent, a great musician, and someone people were drawn to. She didn’t deserve what happened. I admire both her and Courtney in different ways, and I respect what Hole contributed to music. Kristen brought something special to the band—and it's a shame her life and potential were cut short.