Jack Antonoff recently addressed misunderstandings regarding his actions during Katy Perry's performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 11. As Perry celebrated receiving the Video Vanguard Award, she treated the audience to a medley of her past hits and fresh material from her upcoming album, '143', featuring songs like 'E.T.', 'I Kissed A Girl', and her latest single, 'Lifelines'.
However, a moment during her performance sparked controversy as Antonoff was seen standing alongside Taylor Swift and actress Margaret Qualley. Observers noted that it appeared he was inserting what many assumed were Airpods into his ears, prompting a wave of backlash across social media. One fan on Twitter expressed their displeasure, which soon turned into a viral moment.
In response to the uproar, Antonoff clarified that the devices he used were not Airpods, but blue 'Hero' brand earplugs, designed to protect his hearing. He acknowledged the awkwardness of relying on earplugs not only in loud concert environments but also while traveling and sleeping, sharing, "I do not only use them when in 100 plus DB environments... it is humiliating to admit."
Antonoff expressed gratitude for the attention this incident garnered and highlighted the importance of discussions around earplug use, branding it an embarrassing topic for his family.
This incident comes after a busy summer for Antonoff, which included a surprise appearance at Taylor Swift's concluding 'Eras' show in London and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Museum. Concurrently, Katy Perry's VMAs acceptance speech underscored her successful career and expressed thanks to her dedicated supporters, particularly her LGBTQ+ fans. Perry's highly anticipated album, '143', is scheduled for release on September 20, 2024, with the lead single, 'Woman's World'. Pre-order here. For additional coverage of the VMAs and the performances, check NME.