Music producer Jack Antonoff recently addressed the controversy surrounding his decision to wear earplugs during Katy Perry’s performance at the 2024 MTV VMAs, sparking a mix of humor and criticism online. The situation gained traction with some fans labeling him “disrespectful” for his choice of noise-canceling ear protection.
Antonoff, renowned for his collaborations with artists such as Taylor Swift and Lorde, responded to the backlash with a hint of humor. In his response, he confirmed his use of earplugs, specifying that they were blue “Hearos” earplugs, a brand he admitted to using regularly and purchasing in bulk.
“I want to clarify personally that I indeed wore earplugs that night. They were blue ‘Hearos’ earplugs, and I’ve been using them for a long time, even buying them in bulk,” Antonoff shared.
He went on to explain that the use of earplugs is quite common among professionals in the music industry, including producers and sound mixers. This practice extends to other noisy settings such as airplanes and even during sleep. Despite the feedback, Antonoff confirmed that the episode would not affect his tour schedule and humorously dismissed the idea of taking time off to ponder over his perceived missteps.
The discussion also touched upon past tensions involving Antonoff, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry, stemming from an incident at the 2017 VMAs where Antonoff appeared dismissive during Katy’s hosting segment. Nevertheless, many of Antonoff’s supporters have defended his actions, emphasizing the significance of hearing protection for musicians.
Moving forward, it appears Antonoff is focused on disregarding the commotion and promoting awareness about the importance of hearing conservation in loud settings — a subject that strikes a chord with many in his field.
