Jack Antonoff Jokes He’s ‘Mortified’ He Used Earplugs at the 2024 VMAs Following Backlash

Jack Antonoff is opening his ears to the criticism — sike. After some fans slammed the producer online for what they perceived as him wearing earbuds to block out performances at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards — specifically Katy Perry‘s — the producer cleared the air with a series of satirical tweets written in the form of an apology Thursday (Sept. 12).

“i would like to tell you directly from me that i did in fact use earplugs the other night,” he began in his joking confession on social media. “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.”

“that i do not only use them when in 100 plus DB environments,” he continued of his VMAs ear-wear. “it is humiliating to admit that i use them on planes and every night while sleep. there is nothing left to do but apologize … i’m sorry to those i let down and today i will not [be] going to work and instead thinking about my earplug use and everyone that has been affected by it.”

The Bleachers frontman added, “the band and i have decided to keep all dates as scheduled.”

The posts seemingly come in response to viewers accusing Antonoff of wearing Apple Airpods during Perry’s Video Vanguard Award medley performance, as captured by the VMAs’ live audience cam that was trained for long periods of time on the producer’s seat partner, Taylor Swift, with Antonoff in frame. One person on X called him “disrespectful” for wearing the plugs, while another fan tweeted, “jack antonoff putting on airpods during katy’s performance… what a disgusting man.”

Speaking of the “Anti-Hero” singer, Swift was dancing up a storm throughout the former American Idol judge’s performance, and sang every word to “Teenage Dream.” The Eras Tour headliner ended the night with seven new Moon People, including video of the year for “Fortnight,” which Antonoff produced.

Perry’s performance also had many more noteworthy moments beyond who did or did not wear earplugs during her time on stage. In addition to performing a slew of the songs that solidified her as Billboard‘s No. 25 greatest pop star of the 21st century — including “Dark Horse,” “Roar” and “ET” — the vocalist was also joined by Doechii to give their new single “I’m His, He’s Mine” a jaw-dropping live debut.

See Antonoff’s faux apology below.

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-

— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) September 12, 2024

the band and i have decided to keep all dates as scheduled.

— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) September 12, 2024