After Fans Accused Him Of Putting In AirPods To Block Katy Perry's VMAs Performance, Jack Antonoff Had The Funniest Response
During the VMAs on Wednesday night, Video Vanguard Award winner Katy Perry performed a medley of her hits.
A camera on the audience captured songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff — who was seated with actor and his wife, Maraget Qualley, as well as his frequent collaborator, Taylor Swift. He appeared to put something in his ears as "ET" began.
Online, some viewers speculated that he was putting in AirPods to block out Katy's performance. The rumor — and the vitriol — spread.
Some linked it to Taylor Swift's past feud with Katy Perry, which ended in 2019.
THAT man is so disgustingly disrespectful holding your wife from dancing to someone and having AirPods during their performance from a one sided beef while they’re never acknowledged you neither I person or in public https://t.co/D3DW0SJMhy
— rafik. (@electricrafik) September 12, 2024
Other users offered a different perspective, pointing out that, as a music producer, Jack was likely simply trying to protect his hearing.
jack antonoff get behind me!! there’s no way people are mad at this man for wearing earplugs when his ears are quite literally important for his job lmfao
— sol (@pinkponydyke) September 12, 2024
feel like i'm going insane watching people who don't know anything try to rip jack antonoff a new one for "putting in airpods during katy's performance" they're earplugs. to protect his hearing. because his job depends on it
— crow (@friicker) September 12, 2024
people are apparently shocked and upset that jack antonoff (a man that literally uses his ears for a living) is wearing earplugs to a incredibly loud event. Grow up wow
— amanda (@mendiezeeno) September 12, 2024
Yesterday evening, Jack himself mockingly weighed in on the discourse on Twitter and in his Instagram story. He wrote, "i would like to tell you directly from me that i did in fact use earplugs the other night. they were blue ‘hearos’ brand and im mortified to admit that i’ve been using them for a long time as well as buying them in bulk."
"i would also like to be honest and get ahead of that fact that i do not only use them when in 100 plus DB environments. it is humiliating to admit that i use them on planes and every night while sleep."
"there is nothing left to do but apologize and thank those who have covered this story because although it’s an embarrassment to my family and i, i do believe that this was a very important and pressing issue that needed to be exposed."
"i’m sorry to those i let down and today i will not being going to work and instead thinking about my earplug use and everyone that has been affected by it."
"the band and i have decided to keep all dates as scheduled," he concluded.
Fans were amused and impressed by his resposne.
how did jack antonoff write a better apology for wearing earplugs at a loud environment than 99% of influencers who do illegal shit https://t.co/NP0DKgZm7S
— Rose ✱🥀 (@Rosemanticise) September 13, 2024
i cant believe you have the audacity to want to preserve your hearing. who do you think you are? a grammy award winning producer or something?
— mands is voting blue | iso miami tickets 🫶🏼 🇧🇷 (@themandsuscript) September 13, 2024
i supported jack antonoff even when i thought he was deliberately shading katy perry https://t.co/LUIIogCHvY
— crowley cadaver 🦇 (@cruelomens) September 12, 2024
jack antonoff doing a what’s in my tote bag video and it’s just a comically large amount of hearos blue earplugs
— 🍅Alexis Bergasse🍅 (@AlexisBergasse) September 12, 2024
Need to let you know that I set my friend straight who was questioning why you were wearing your AirPods she now understands they were blue ‘hearos’ I am still working hard to ease her disappointment in the matter as a whole, especially after breaking the news that they are…
— ✨ 𝓗 𝓞 𝓛 𝓛 𝓨 𓆙 (@hollyhollssss) September 13, 2024
And others thanked him for the important reminder about protecting your ears! According to the CDC, loud music damages your hearing, and wearing earplugs is a good way to protect your ears at concerts.
Thanks for promoting proper concert ear safety Jack bestie ❤️
— Chris 🩷✨ (@PopMusicChris) September 12, 2024