White Stripes Lead Singer Pleads Innocent

[TexasStooge]

By Mike Householder, Associated Press

White Stripes lead singer Jack White, who's accused of repeatedly punching the lead singer of another band in the face, pleaded innocent Wednesday to a misdemeanor aggravated assault charge.

White was ordered to stand trial on March 9.

The Dec. 13 fight between White and Von Bondies lead singer Jason Stollsteimer began shortly before midnight at the Majestic Theater Center, where both men were in the audience for another concert.

Stollsteimer, 25, of Detroit, 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.

White, also of Detroit, went to the police after the fight and gave a statement saying he struck Stollsteimer in self-defense.

White's attorney, Wally Piszczatowski, said he was satisfied with the hearing. "The court allowed Jack to travel for business purposes, obviously recognizing he is not a flight risk, or a danger to the community in any way," he said.

White faces punishment ranging from no jail time to a maximum of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

He and drummer Meg White, who make up the White Stripes, are nominated together for three Grammy Awards: album of the year and alternative music album for "Elephant," and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal for "Seven Nation Army." The song also earned Jack White a solo nomination for best rock song.

White also has a small role as a singer in the film "Cold Mountain," starring Nicole Kidman , Jude Law and Renee Zellweger , which is in theaters now. He contributed a handful of songs to the soundtrack.

___

On the Net:

http://www.whitestripes.com/