Tabloid Misstep: Meg White Mistakenly Targeted in Stalking Incident
Meg White, the former drummer of The White Stripes, has found herself at the center of an unusual scandal after the British tabloid The Daily Mail mistakenly tracked and photographed one of her friends in Detroit, believing her to be white. This incident occurred despite the friend informing the publication of thier error.
On August 6,The Daily Mail published a sensational article accompanied by over a dozen images,claiming to have uncovered the “reclusive music icon” and her “secret new life.” The tabloid asserted that these were the first public photos of White in nearly two decades. However, it turned out that the publication had been shadowing a wholly different individual: a close friend of the drummer.
According to the tabloid’s own reporting, the woman was approached after being followed and photographed, at which point she laughed and clarified that they had mistaken her for White.
(Image credit: Lex van Rossen/MAI/Redferns)
Despite the clear misidentification, The Daily Mail proceeded with the story.Senior reporter Joe Hutchison noted that the newspaper concluded the woman was White simply as she graciously responded “thank you” when complimented on The White Stripes’ music.
“I can also assure you that Meg is well and is living the private life she chooses and deserves in Detroit.”
Later, The Daily Mail discreetly removed the article and images from its website without issuing any correction or explanation for their removal.
The article featured numerous photographs of the unsuspecting woman exiting a vehicle and mingling with friends outside a restaurant in Detroit. A music executive who has collaborated with The White Stripes and is acquainted with both White and the photographed friend confirmed that neither was aware of being followed.
“Neither Meg nor her friend knew they were being stalked, and had they known, they certainly would not have willingly participated in anything related to The Daily Mail,” the executive stated, wishing to remain anonymous.
The source also reassured that White is doing well and continues to enjoy her privacy in Detroit. “I can also assure you that Meg is well and is living the private life she chooses and deserves in Detroit,” they reiterated.
(Image credit: Alamy)
As the disbandment of The White Stripes in 2011, White has kept a notably low profile.Her drumming, celebrated for its raw intensity and innovative use of space, earned her a spot on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 greatest drummers of all time in 2016.
When The White Stripes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, White chose not to attend but sent a heartfelt message through her former bandmate, Jack White, who is renowned for his unique approach to electric guitar.
“I spoke with Meg White the other day, and she said that she’s very sorry she couldn’t make it here tonight,” Jack White shared during his acceptance speech. “But she wanted me to tell you that she’s very grateful. And to all of the folks who supported her over the years, it really means a lot to her.”
Despite the clear misidentification, The Daily Mail did not provide any rationale for their continued pursuit of the woman after she clarified her identity.
The error was further validated by singer-songwriter Karen Elson, who was previously married to Jack White. In a now-deleted social media post, Elson identified the woman in the photographs as a friend of Meg White, describing her as someone “who we also love tremendously.”
Representatives for Meg White have not responded to inquiries from The Guardian for comments.
