The Daily Mail Followed and Photographed the Wrong Woman While Trying to Find Meg White

The Daily Mail mistakenly pursued and photographed the wrong woman while attempting to locate Meg White, the enigmatic former drummer of The White Stripes. According to The Guardian, the British tabloid followed and covertly captured images of a Detroit woman they believed to be White, subsequently publishing more than a dozen photos in an article claiming to unveil White's "secret new life."

However, multiple sources close to the musician strongly dispute this assertion, asserting that the woman in the pictures is not Meg White. In fact, the woman reportedly informed the Daily Mail of her identity, laughing off the confusion. The publication proceeded with its investigation, taking her apology for being mistaken as evidence that it had found its target.

The woman is actually a close friend of White's, according to several sources who spoke with The Guardian. Notably, music industry insider and ex-wife of Jack White, Karen Elson, confirmed the mistaken identity in a deleted social media post, criticizing the tabloid's extensive efforts to track her down. The Daily Mail quietly took down the story and photographs last week without issuing a correction or editor's note to explain the mistake.

Neither the publication nor reporter Joe Hutchison provided comments to The Guardian's inquiries. Since The White Stripes disbanded in 2011, Meg White has largely avoided public life, declining interviews and public appearances while residing in Detroit. She sent a message during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for The White Stripes, which was read by Jack White.

Despite the music duo's induction, Meg White remained absent, sending a separate message that she preferred to live a private life as she has done for the past 15 years. Regarding her current activities, a source close to her revealed to The Guardian that she is doing well and maintaining her desired private lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jack White has been more accessible lately, currently embarking on a major tour to promote his latest album, Frozen Charlotte.