Jack Antonoff has recently addressed a series of misunderstandings stemming from the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held on September 11, particularly linked to his actions during Katy Perry's performance. Perry was celebrated for receiving the Video Vanguard Award, during which she performed a medley of her past hits alongside new tracks from her upcoming album, '143'. A specific moment involving Antonoff garnered significant public attention.
During the performance, Antonoff was seen standing beside Taylor Swift and actress Margaret Qualley, where he appeared to be inserting what looked like AirPods into his ears. This led to a wave of social media backlash, with fans expressing concerns and speculation surrounding his actions. One post on Twitter went viral, further fueling the subsequent controversy.
In response to the uproar, Antonoff issued a statement clarifying that the devices he was using were actually blue 'Hero' brand earplugs, which are intended for hearing protection, rather than AirPods as many had assumed. He admitted that using earplugs in loud environments can feel awkward, stating, "It is humiliating to admit" that he relies on them. Furthermore, he noted the need to normalize discussions about earplug use, an issue he found to be a sensitive topic within his family.
This incident follows a busy summer for Antonoff, which included an unexpected appearance at Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour finale in London, as well as a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Museum. Meanwhile, Katy Perry's VMAs acceptance speech recognized her career milestones, expressing gratitude to her loyal fans, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. Perry's anticipated album '143' is scheduled for release on September 20, 2024, which will feature her lead single, 'Woman's World'. Pre-order here. More coverage of the VMAs performances can be found on NME.