White Stripes lead singer Jack White pleaded guilty yesterday (March 9) to assault and battery stemming from a fight with the lead singer of fellow Detroit band the Von Bondies.
White was accused of repeatedly punching Jason Stollsteimer and originally was charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault. He could have faced up to a year in jail, but will avoid jail time under the plea deal.
White must pay a $500 fine, plus $250 in court fees, and Judge Paula G. Humphries ordered him to attend anger management classes. She also told him not to contact Stollsteimer.
The Dec. 13 fight between White and Stollsteimer began shortly before midnight at the Majestic Theater Center, where both men were in the audience for a Blanche concert.
Stollsteimer told police that White punched him seven times in the face. Police said Stollsteimer’s right eye was bruised and swollen, and he was bleeding from his nose. He was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he was treated and released.
White went to police after the fight and gave a statement saying he struck Stollsteimer in self-defense.
In court yesterday, White said he had heard that Stollsteimer had made some allegations against him in the press and to mutual acquaintances.
“I went up to ask him to say it to me face to face,” White said.
Prosecutors said earlier the two men had a long-standing disagreement over White’s role in producing the Von Bondies’ first album.
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