Jack Antonoff denied rumors that he intentionally insulted Katy Perry by wearing earplugs during his performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday night.
Music Producer I took him to X On Thursday, he sarcastically hit back at critics who called the “Roar” songstress “disrespectful” after a video was posted showing her sticking something in her ear while she sang. It became a hot topic.
“I want to share with you first-hand that I did in fact use earplugs the other night,” he wrote. “They were the blue 'Hyalos' brand, which I'm ashamed to say I've been using for a long time and buy a ton of them.”
Mr Antonoff, 40, joked that it was “humiliating” to reveal that he uses earplugs not only in extremely noisy environments but “on planes and while I sleep every night”.
“I have nothing left to do but apologize and thank those who covered this incident because, although it is embarrassing for my family and for me, I believe this is a very important and pressing issue that needs to be brought to light,” he said jokingly.
The “Roller Coaster” star continued, “I'm sorry to everyone I've let down. I will not be going to work today and will instead be thinking about my use of earplugs and all those who have been affected by it.”
“The band and I have decided to go ahead with all dates as scheduled,” he concluded, referring to his rock group, The Bleachers.
Several fans flooded the comments section to offer their support for Antonoff, with one writing, “Thank you my good friend Jack for spreading the word about proper ear safety at concerts.”
“I also wear earplugs sometimes. Not a crime's best friend,” another user added.
“Thank you for finally speaking up about this,” a third said sarcastically.
On Wednesday, Antonoff enjoyed Perry's performance with his wife, Margaret Qualley, and friends Taylor Swift and Suki Waterhouse.
While the “Lover” singer, 34, and Waterhouse, 32, danced to Perry's 2013 song “Dark Horse,” Antonoff was seen grabbing something and shoving it in his ear.
One critic shared the video on X, writing, “Jack Antonoff wearing airpods while Katy is performing…what a loser move.”
“Jack Antonoff hates Katy Perry so much he used AirPods while she was performing at the VMAs.” Another wrote:A third responded: “That guy is so rude.”
Following Perry's performance, the 39-year-old “Teenage Dream” singer accepted the Video Vanguard Award from her fiancé, Orlando Bloom.
The perceived complexity of Antonoff and Perry's relationship may stem from Perry and Swift's past feud.
The feud between Perry and Swift dates back to 2014, when Swift claimed that an unnamed singer, who many have implied was Perry, “basically tried to sabotage my entire arena tour” and “hired a bunch of people from underneath” to get her to come on board. [her]”, During an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
At the time, Perry responded on X (formerly Twitter), cryptically writing, “Watch out for Regina George in sheep's clothing,” referencing Rachel McAdams' character as a bully in the 2004 film “Mean Girls.”
Swift's 2014 album 1989's track “Bad Blood” is also rumored to be about Perry.
Antonoff in the middle of the drama It became a hot topic Perry came under fire in 2017 when she hosted the VMAs after appearing bored and eating a banana.
That same year, Perry appeared on “The Late Night Show with James Corden” She claimed she tried to reconcile with Swift But it was rejected.
However, the two reconciled in 2019.
“It's been kind of a process,” the “ET” singer explained on an Australian radio show with hosts Kyle and Jackie O.
“When she started her 'Reputation' tour, I literally sent her a letter offering reconciliation and apologizing for my role in all of it,” Perry added.
Over the years, the “Last Friday Night” singer and Swift have kept in touch via text messages, and Swift even baked cookies for her former friend and rival.
Perry also joined Swift on her Erasus tour in Sydney earlier this year.
