Jack Antonoff has recently addressed a series of misunderstandings stemming from the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held on September 11. The event featured Katy Perry, who was celebrated for receiving the Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of past hits alongside tracks from her upcoming album, '143'.
A specific moment involving Antonoff drew significant public attention when he was seen standing beside Taylor Swift and actress Margaret Qualley, appearing to insert what looked like AirPods into his ears. This incident led to a wave of social media backlash, with fans expressing concerns and speculation regarding his actions. A particularly viral post on Twitter fueled the controversy, further intensifying public scrutiny.
In light of the uproar, Antonoff issued a statement clarifying that the devices he was using were not AirPods, but rather blue 'Hero' brand earplugs designed for hearing protection. He acknowledged that utilizing earplugs in loud environments can feel awkward and admitted, "It is humiliating to admit" that he relies on them. He emphasized the importance of normalizing discussions about earplug use, which he finds to be a sensitive topic within his family.
The incident comes after a busy summer for Antonoff, which included an unexpected appearance at Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour finale in London and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Museum. Meanwhile, Perry's VMAs acceptance speech highlighted her career milestones, expressing gratitude to her loyal fans, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. All eyes now turn to Perry's anticipated album '143', set for release on September 20, 2024, featuring her lead single, 'Woman's World'. For more coverage of the VMAs performances, visit NME.
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