JACK WHITE - WHITE: STOLLSTEIMER 'EXPLOITED' INJURIES

JACK WHITE has blasted THE VON BONDIES' JASON STOLLSTEIMER for "completely exploiting" their punch-up last December (03) by releasing a picture of his battered face to the press.

The FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL singer claims Stollsteimer's facial injuries - which he sustained in a brawl with White at the MAGIC STICK nightclub in Detroit, Michigan - looked far worse than they actually were.

And White - who produced The Von Bondies' 2001 debut album LACK OF COMMUNICATION - is annoyed the pair have fallen out so spectacularly, because they used to be such great pals.

White says, "Take a look at it again. It's a black eye once you wash the dried blood off. His face isn't full of cuts.

"I was so nice to Jason and his band you wouldn't believe it. I let them rehearse in my house for free. I got them signed. I produced their album for free."

White was convicted of assault and battery in March (04) and ordered to pay a $500 (GBP275) fine and $250 (GBP138) in court costs. He was also instructed not to contact Stollsteimer, and had to attend anger management classes.