AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift's close friend and collaborator Jack Antonoff has broken his silence after he was criticized online for using earplugs during Katy Perry's performance at the 2024 MTV VMAs.

In a series of videos that circulated on social media, Antonoff was seen raising his hands to his ears during Perry's 20-minute set. While others in the audience, including Swift and her friends, were singing and dancing, Antonoff's behavior raised eyebrows.

Some fans accused him of being disrespectful and suggested that he was wearing AirPods rather than earplugs. In response, Antonoff took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the backlash.

Confirming that he did use earplugs for hearing protection, Antonoff poked fun at the situation, saying that he had been using them for a long time and that their discovery by fans was "mortifying."

"I would like to tell you directly from me that I did in fact use earplugs the other night," Antonoff wrote. "They were blue 'hearos' brand and I'm mortified to admit that I've been using them for a long time as well as buying them in bulk."

Antonoff emphasized that he uses earplugs not only at loud events but also on airplanes and while sleeping. He apologized for disappointing anyone and announced that he would be taking a day off to reflect on his earplug use.

"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," he concluded.

Despite the controversy, Antonoff and his band Bleachers will continue with their scheduled tour dates.

The backlash against Antonoff's earplug use has sparked a debate about the importance of hearing protection, particularly for musicians. Some fans pointed out that it is common practice for music producers to wear earplugs to protect their hearing from the loud volume levels at concerts.

Antonoff is known for his collaborations with Swift, including her hit songs "Anti-Hero", "Cruel Summer" and "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart". While there is no active feud between Antonoff and Perry, he has previously made comments criticizing her music. In a 2014 interview, Antonoff praised Swift's songwriting while calling Perry's songs "throwaway, comparatively."

Perry received the 2024 Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs, celebrating her achievements as an artist over her two-decade career. Swift made history by becoming the ceremony's most decorated solo artist ever, winning seven awards.