NASHVILLE—The ongoing custody dispute between Jack White and ex-wife Karen Elson intensified recently when the Davidson County Circuit Court granted Elson a restraining order against White based on allegations of harassment.
According to court documents, Elson sought the order based on “fears for her and the children’s safety as a result of this harassment.” The couple has been committed to a parenting dispute for months and thus far, Elson claims that White is unfit to be a parent. The affidavit continues to divulge the extent of the allegations, ranging from aggressive email communication to bullying.
Elson asserts that throughout the divorce proceedings White “has continuously attempted to impose his control over [her],” which is how White allegedly behaved during their marriage as well. The musician is also accused of coercing Elson into acting against her and their children’s best interests by attempting to prevent her from seeking any legal counsel via unsavory emails to both her and her paralegal. In a recent email included in the affidavit, White reportedly wrote to Elson, “I’m not extending this anymore, and we’re not getting lawyers involved to rip me off.”
Furthermore, White allegedly barraged his ex-wife with phone calls and emails, often in a threatening manner. Elson attributes his incessant bullying as a major factor in the deterioration of their marriage. Also cited in the affidavit are instances of White purportedly berating Elson for associating, either directly or indirectly, with other musicians he feels have plagiarized from him. Elson’s attorney, Rose Palermo, reportedly requested a custodial psychological evaluation for White.
White was served the restraining order on July 22, and the order prohibits the musician from having “any contact with wife whatsoever except as it relates to parenting time with the parties’ minor children.” He is allowed to communicate with Elson only through email.
On August 2, White’s lawyer filed a motion against the restraining order. The countermotion addresses the complaints raised against White, and it claims that “the reason for filing this response is that Mr. White does not want to be portrayed as something he is not, violent toward his wife and children.”
The filing goes on to illustrate numerous counterclaims, chief among them a rebuttal against Elson’s claims of fearing for her and their children’s safety. Reportedly, their children were left in White’s care for a 10-day period beginning the day after Elson signed her restraining order affidavit. White also provided numerous emails sent to him by Elson, including one in which his ex-wife calls him an “amazing father.”
The couple is due in court for a custody hearing on August 29.
By Alex Mazariegos
