Private e-mails between Nashville rocker Jack White and his ex-wife Karen Elson that were written during their custody battle last year were obtained and published by TMZ, according to Pitchfork.
In the e-mails, the former White Stripes member revealed his feelings towards Black Keys member Dan Auerbach as he reportedly attempted to have his kids removed from the same private school as Auerbach's kids.
"That's a possible twelve fucking years I'm going to have to be sitting in kids chairs next to that asshole with other people trying to lump us together. He gets yet another free reign to follow me around and copy me and push himself into my world," wrote White in the e-mail.
The "Blunderbuss" hitmaker addressed the e-mails that were leaked and explained to Rolling Stone, "There are kids at school who dress like everybody else, because they don't know what to do, and there are musicians like that too."
Jack White continued, "I'll hear TV commercials where the music's ripping off sounds of mine, to the point I think it's me. Half the time, it's the Black Keys. The other half, it's a sound-alike song because they couldn't license one of mine. There's a whole world that's totally fine with the watered-down version of the original."
The "Love Interruption" singer has since issued an apology for his words regarding the Black Keys.
"I wish the band the Black Keys all the success that they can get," he says. "I hope the best for their record label Nonesuch who has such a proud history in music, and in their efforts to bring the Black Keys songs to the world. I hope for massive success also for their producer and songwriter Danger Mouse and for the other musicians that their band employs. Lord knows that I can tell you myself how hard it is to get people to pay attention to a two piece band with a plastic guitar, so any attention that the Black Keys can get in this world I wish it for them, and I hope their record stays in the top ten for many months and they have many more successful albums in their career," wrote White on his official site, according to USA Today.
The members of the Black Keys have responded to the singer's comments as well.
"I actually feel embarrassed for him. I don't hold grudges, man. I really don't. We've all said fucked up shit in private, and divorce is hard," stated Patrick Carney.
Auerbach was quieter about the incident.
"I don't know him, so it's extra-unexpected," said the Black Keys frontman.
