Jack Antonoff addresses rumors of dissing Katy Perry at VMAs by wearing earplugs

Music producer Jack Antonoff has responded to speculation that he insulted Katy Perry by wearing earplugs during her performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. A viral video showed Antonoff inserting something into his ear while Perry performed, leading to criticism from some viewers who deemed his actions "disrespectful."

Antonoff addressed the rumors on X (formerly Twitter) on September 12, 2024, sarcastically admitting, "I did in fact use earplugs the other night… they were blue 'hearos' brand and I’m mortified to admit that I’ve been using them for a long time." He further joked that it was "humiliating" to disclose his earplug use in loud environments and while sleeping.

The musician, who attended the event with his wife, actress Margaret Qualley, and friends Taylor Swift and Suki Waterhouse, downplayed the situation, adding humor by saying, "I’m sorry to those I let down… today I will not be going to work and instead thinking about my earplug use."

Fans largely supported Antonoff, with one commenting, "Thanks for promoting proper concert ear safety, Jack," while another wrote, "I also wear earplugs sometimes. This isn’t a crime."

Antonoff's lighthearted response has quelled much of the criticism surrounding his actions during Perry’s performance, which concluded with the "Roar" singer being honored with the Video Vanguard Award.