Grammy-winning musician and producer Jack Antonoff has issued a quippy comeback to the backlash he faced when he was spotted using earplugs for Katy Perry's Video Vanguard performance.
The incident, which took place on September 11 at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, provoked a whirlwind of criticism online, prompting him to deal with the situation head-on.
Jack Antonoff, who is known for his work with Taylor Swift and as the lead vocalist for his band Bleachers, took to X to plead his case in a series of tweets. He stated:
"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 issues a bogus apology
The backlash stemmed from a moment caught on camera at the VMAs, where Jack Antonoff could be seen putting in his earplugs, seemingly to block out Perry's performance.
He was seated alongside Taylor Swift, and given the rocky history between her and Perry, fans began speculating that he did it as a show of support, despite the two having waved a white flag for years.
Jack Antonoff, 40, continued his statement:
"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."
He continued to mock the fiasco, dubbing his actions an "embarrassment" to him and his family, and apologized for his actions:
"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."
The singer concluded by saying that he is taking time off to reflect on his actions, joking that he would not be going on tour.
"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."
Here's how fans reacted to Jack Antonoff's confession
Fans shot back with a mix of sarcastic appreciation and bogus forgiveness, as some joked that he was a good man for owning up to his mistakes.
"I appreciate you stepping up and taking responsibility for your actions," one user quipped.
"Thank you for speaking your truth. Taking this time to reflect will really help you in the long run. It’s important to know that we can all accept each other, despite (your) varying degrees of ear plug usage. Looking forward to your growth," another retorted.
"can't believe you would even consider still playing shows after this incredible embarrassment... what are you gonna do next? wear earplugs while performing too?" one user questioned wittily.
Still, others thanked the musician for his ability to be upfront, subbing the whole scandal #Earpluggate
"so glad such a pressing issue has been addressed… i might actually be able to sleep tonight now," one user noted.
"I can sleep easy now Jack. I and greater America thanks you for clarifying your side of #EarPlugGate," one user thanked.
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Jack Antonoff is most known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Bleachers. He has also worked with various industry giants, such as Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey, among others. He has been married to Margaret Qualley since 2023.
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