Major Controversies Surrounding Jack White: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Jack White.

Jack White, born John Anthony White, is an American musician best known as the guitarist and lead singer of the rock duo The White Stripes. Following the band's disbandment, he pursued a successful solo career, collaborative projects, and various business ventures. He gained international recognition for his distinctive musical style and contributions to the rock genre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2001: The New York Times asks about authenticity

In 2001, Joe Hagan of The New York Times questioned the authenticity of Jack White, asking, "Is Mr. White, a 25-year-old former upholsterer from southwest Detroit, concocting this stuff with a wink? Or are the White Stripes simply naïve?"

2002: Marriage license and divorce certificate produced

In 2002, the Detroit Free Press produced copies of both a marriage license and divorce certificate for him and Meg, confirming their history as a married couple.

December 13, 2003: Altercation at the Magic Stick

On December 13, 2003, Jack White was involved in an altercation with Jason Stollsteimer at the Magic Stick in Detroit. He was charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault, later pleading guilty to a lesser charge and receiving a fine and anger management classes.

2005: Rolling Stone interview about sibling relationship

In a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jack White implied that presenting himself and Meg White as siblings was intended to keep the focus on the music rather than the couple's past relationship.

2007: Documentary Under Great White Northern Lights

In the 2007 documentary, Under Great White Northern Lights, Jack White continues to refer to Meg White as his sister in interviews, despite the open secret of their previous marriage.

2013: Email Entered into Evidence

During divorce proceedings in 2013, an email from Jack White containing disparaging remarks about the Black Keys was entered into evidence.

2014: Rolling Stone Interview Remarks

In a 2014 Rolling Stone interview, Jack White stood by his remarks about the Black Keys from the 2013 email. He accused them of ripping off his sounds in TV commercials but later apologized for the comments.

February 1, 2015: Publication of Tour Rider

On February 1, 2015, the University of Oklahoma's newspaper published Jack White's tour rider, including the guacamole recipe and banana ban, leading to media coverage and a ban on William Morris Endeavor Entertainment acts at the university.

September 2015: Conflict with Patrick Carney

In September 2015, Patrick Carney of the Black Keys accused Jack White of trying to fight him. White denied the claim and suggested Carney speak to him directly. They later resolved the issue.

October 2016: Denouncement of Donald Trump

In October 2016, the band denounced Donald Trump after he used the White Stripes song "Seven Nation Army" in campaign materials, and began selling shirts reading "Icky Trump" through the Third Man Records website.

November 20, 2022: Note to Elon Musk

On November 20, 2022, Jack White wrote a note to Elon Musk criticizing his decision to reinstate Donald Trump's Twitter account.

August 2024: Threat to Sue Donald Trump Campaign

In August 2024, Jack White threatened to sue Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign for using "Seven Nation Army" without permission, labeling Trump and his campaign staff as "fascists".