Jack Antonoff is in headlines as he faced backlash for wearing earplugs during Katy Perry’s performance at the VMAs. Yes, you read that right—earplugs.
Apparently, in the world of pop music, protecting your hearing is now considered a cardinal sin. Who knew?
As Katy belted out her greatest hits after accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, eagle-eyed fans noticed Jack slipping in some noise-canceling plugs. Cue the outrage!
The internet erupted with accusations of disrespect, suggesting he was shading Katy and taking sides in her long-ago (probably squashed) feud with his musical BFF, Taylor Swift. Because, of course, the only logical explanation for wearing earplugs is that you’re secretly rooting against the performer on stage.
In a low-key iconic response, Jack tweeted, “I would like to tell you directly from me that I did in fact use earplugs the other night. They were blue Hearos brand.”
He went on to admit he’s been using them for ages — on planes, while he’s sleeping, even buying them in bulk. “It’s humiliating to admit,” he joked.
“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.” I can’t with this man.
But honestly, Jack, if your only crime is wanting to preserve your hearing for future bangers, then I think we’ll let you live.
So, to all the haters out there, maybe ease up on the judgment. No really, because I’m now worried about my hearing and will be grabbing some earplugs for my next concert.
Lead image: Getty Images
