White: I didn't criticise Gaga
Jack White has denied criticising Lady Gaga's music.
The 'Freedom at 21' singer was quoted in Esquire magazine as saying the eccentric pop star made records that were "all image with no meaning" and her songs were nothing more than a "soundbite", but the furious star has now revealed he was misquoted.
He posted a statement on his official website reading: "I'd like to address the recent tabloidesque drama baiting by the press in regards to Lady Gaga. I never said anything about her music, or questioned the authenticity of her songs in any way.
"I was in a conversation about the drawbacks of image for the sake of image, and that it is popular nowadays to not question an image in front of you, but only to label it as 'cool' or 'weird' quickly and dispose of it.
"I don't like my comments about Lady Gaga's presentation being changed into some sort of negative critique of her music. If you're going to try to cause drama, at least get the quotes right."
The White Stripes singer went on to accuse music magazines of twisting artists' words to create "tabloid drama" at the detriment of engaging musicians in stimulating conversations.
He vented: "I think journalists should also be held accountable for what they say.
"Especially publications like the NME who put whatever words they feel like between two quotation marks and play it off as a quote.
"I also think that kind of tabloid drama encourages artists to not express their opinions in the press, and instead give polite soundbites that don't stimulate thought about creativity and the consumption of art in its many guises."
White concluded by clearing the air with his alleged rival and said he admired the 'Born This Way' singer's commitment to gay rights issues.
He added: "Peace to Lady Gaga and I fully congratulate and compliment her on her championing of gay rights issues and the momentum it's given to help create change."
