After Fans Accused Him Of Putting In AirPods To Block Katy Perry's VMAs Performance, Jack Antonoff Had The Funniest Response

BuzzFeed
·4 min read
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During the VMAs on Wednesday night, Video Vanguard Award winner Katy Perry performed a medley of her hits.

Katy Perry performs on stage wearing a futuristic outfit, surrounded by dancers
Noam Galai / Getty Images for MTV

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.

An arrow pointing to Jack Antonoff, who puts something in his ear, standing next to Margaret Qualley and Taylor Swift

Online, some viewers speculated that he was putting in AirPods to block out Katy's performance. The rumor — and the vitriol — spread.

Tweet criticizing Jack Antonoff for putting on AirPods during Katy's performance, calling him a disgusting man
Tweet saying, "this ugly hag jack antunroff putting airpods during Katy’s performance acting as if his music is listenable" with a skull emoji

Some linked it to Taylor Swift's past feud with Katy Perry, which ended in 2019.

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Other users offered a different perspective, pointing out that, as a music producer, Jack was likely simply trying to protect his hearing.

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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."

Jack Antonoff apologizes for using earplugs during a performance, jokingly admitting it goes against his beliefs. He assures fans he will continue with scheduled dates

"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."

An image of a Hearos Xtreme Protection Ear Plugs 14-pair pack shared on Jack Antonoff's social media

"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."

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff holding hands, smiling at each other on the red carpet at the VMAs. Margaret wears a sleek dress, Jack wears a button up shirt and slacks
Christopher Polk / Billboard via Getty Images

"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."

Margaret Qualley in a stylish dress smiles at Jack Antonoff in a casual button-up shirt at the MTV Video Music Awards
Christopher Polk / Billboard via Getty Images

"the band and i have decided to keep all dates as scheduled," he concluded.

Jack Antonoff performing on stage with a guitar, lead singer of a band. Poster partially visible in the background
Lorne Thomson / Redferns / Via Getty

Fans were amused and impressed by his resposne.

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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.

Twitter: @PopMusicChris

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