Jack Antonoff recently addressed a series of misunderstandings that arose following the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 11. The event celebrated various artists, including Katy Perry, who was honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award during the ceremony. Perry performed a medley of her past hits alongside tracks from her upcoming album, '143', which is set for release on September 20, 2024.
During the ceremony, a specific moment featuring Antonoff became a focal point of public scrutiny when he was seen alongside Taylor Swift and actress Margaret Qualley. Antonoff appeared to be inserting what looked like AirPods into his ears, which sparked considerable speculation and backlash on social media, particularly from fans concerned about his actions. A viral post on Twitter further fueled the controversy, leading to a public examination of Antonoff's behavior.
In response to the uproar, Antonoff released a statement clarifying that he was not using AirPods at all; instead, he was utilizing blue 'Hero' brand earplugs, which are designed for hearing protection. He stated, "It is humiliating to admit" that he relies on earplugs due to the loud environments he frequently encounters. Antonoff stressed the importance of normalizing the conversation around earplug usage, an issue he finds sensitive within his family.
This incident follows a busy summer for Antonoff that included a surprise appearance at Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour finale in London and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Museum. Meanwhile, in her acceptance speech at the VMAs, Katy Perry celebrated her long career, expressing gratitude to her dedicated fans within the LGBTQ+ community. For more on the VMAs performances, visit NME. Pre-order Perry's album here.