jack white finally gives Bizarre Reason he Claimed Bandmate Was His Sister When They Were Actually Married
The White Stripes, the iconic rock duo formed in Detroit in 1997, were known for their enigmatic persona and distinctive red-and-white aesthetic. Throughout their early years of fame, they managed to keep fans and media intrigued, particularly with a strange yet enduring story about their relationship. Despite the obvious chemistry and close bond between frontman Jack White and drummer Meg White, the pair maintained for years that they were siblings, despite being married to one another in reality. This bizarre white lie would go on to become one of the most talked-about mysteries in rock history.
The Birth of the Myth
When The White Stripes first emerged in the late ’90s, their music wasn’t the only thing drawing attention. The band’s striking, minimalist look—often featuring matching red and white outfits—coupled with their raw, stripped-down sound, created a strong sense of mystery. This aura of ambiguity was further fueled by their claim to be brother and sister. Fans believed this backstory, largely because it seemed to fit the band’s quirky aesthetic.
However, there were hints that something more was going on. Some fans and even reporters couldn’t help but notice the intense, almost flirtatious chemistry between Jack and Meg. Their interactions on stage, especially their eye contact and body language, led some to speculate that they might be more than just siblings. These suspicions eventually took root and evolved into a popular rumor—that Jack and Meg were not only romantically involved, but had been married and divorced long before the band’s rise to fame.
The White Stripes’ Response
In 2001, the rumors were confirmed to be true when the *Detroit Free Press* uncovered court records indicating that Jack and Meg had, in fact, filed for divorce in 2000. This revelation came as a shock to many, especially considering
Jack White, not one to shy away from confrontation, addressed the situation head-on. In an interview with *NME*, he admitted that the sibling claim had been a playful fabrication. “We’re brother and sister. Someone started a rumor about how we used to be married, and we played along with it,” Jack said, admitting it was a mistake. He expressed frustration, noting, “That was a bad idea, we get asked this all the time now.”
Despite the growing evidence, the duo continued to maintain the sibling narrative, with Jack often introducing Meg as his “big sister.” However, as the band’s popularity soared, so did the pressure from the media, forcing them to confront the truth.
The Divorce and Last Name Switch
The marriage between Jack and Meg was unusual in its own right, especially because Jack took Meg’s last name when they married in 1996. This move was both unconventional and symbolic, as it bucked traditional gender norms, a pattern that would continue throughout their career. Despite the eventual public reveal of their divorce, the White Stripes continued to downplay the situation, keeping the focus on their music.
Jack White further distanced himself from the marriage rumors in interviews. When the Oakland County Circuit Court records came to light, he dismissed them with a sense of humor. “Frankly, we’re kind of tired with all the attention on the brother-sister thing,” Jack said, “The White Stripes are about the music, and we don’t want that to be lost.”
A Reluctant Legacy
Even after their marriage was exposed, Jack and Meg didn’t feel the need to rectify the situation. In a later interview with *Spin Magazine*, Jack was asked about the continuing false narrative. He responded with a mixture of amusement and indifference. “We’ve given up. People can say whatever they want at this point. It never mattered to us. We were never trying to create this. We were never trying to be icons or hoping to get attention.”
Jack even joked about the authenticity of the marriage certificate. “I didn’t see any signature on that certificate. It certainly didn’t look real to me,” he said, suggesting that it was more of a playful rumor than a carefully crafted myth. “If people don’t want to believe that Meg is my sister, that’s fine. If we had wanted to fool people, we would have come up with a story a lot crazier than this.”
Behind the Music
Beyond the strange and surreal stories surrounding their personal lives, Jack and Meg White created some of the most influential music of the early 2000s. With hits like “Seven Nation Army” and anthems from albums such as *Elephant* and *White Blood Cells*, the band secured their place in rock history. The duo received several prestigious accolades, including six Grammy Awards, and performed at some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Glastonbury.
Despite their success, however, the band decided to take a hiatus in 2007, later disbanding in 2011. Since then, Jack White has gone on to enjoy a successful solo career, but the legacy of The White Stripes—along with its perplexing story—continues to intrigue fans around the world.
In the end, as Jack White himself remarked, “20 years from now, the only thing that matters about any band is if the music was good.” Whether or not the White Stripes ever fully embraced their convoluted relationship story, their music undeniably stands the test of time. And, perhaps most importantly, it proves that sometimes the mystery behind a band is just as captivating as the music they create.
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