Jack Antonoff recently addressed a series of misunderstandings that arose after the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 11. During the event, Katy Perry was honored with the Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of her past hits along with tracks from her upcoming album, '143'.
A specific moment featuring Antonoff became a focal point of public scrutiny when he was spotted beside Taylor Swift and actress Margaret Qualley, seemingly inserting what looked like AirPods into his ears. This sparked considerable speculation and backlash on social media, causing concern among fans regarding his actions. A viral post on Twitter circulated, adding fire to the controversy and prompting public examination of Antonoff's behavior.
In response to the uproar, Antonoff released a statement clarifying that he was not using AirPods, but rather blue 'Hero' brand earplugs designed for hearing protection. He admitted, "It is humiliating to admit" that he relies on them due to the loud environments he often finds himself in. Antonoff emphasized the importance of normalizing the conversation around earplug usage, a matter he considers sensitive within his family.
This incident follows a busy summer for Antonoff, which included a surprise appearance at Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour finale in London and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Museum. Meanwhile, Katy Perry’s acceptance speech at the VMAs celebrated her career achievements and included thanks to her loyal fans within the LGBTQ+ community. The music world is eagerly anticipating Perry’s forthcoming album '143', set to be released on September 20, 2024, featuring the lead single 'Woman's World'. For more on the VMAs performances, visit NME. Pre-order here.