Taylor Swift’s producer Jack Antonoff faces heat for weird reaction to Katy Perry’s VMAs performance

ELMONT, CALIFORNIA: A moment during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) involving Taylor Swift’s music producer, Jack Antonoff, has ignited a social media storm.

During the awards on Wednesday, September 11, Antonoff was seen putting something in his ears during Katy Perry’s performance. While some critics accused him of disrespect, others defend his actions as standard practice for hearing protection.

With Swift making history as the most decorated solo artist at the event, and Katy Perry accepting the Video Vanguard Award, the drama surrounding Antonoff adds an intriguing layer to a night of major music milestones.

Taylor Swift’s music producer Jack Antonoff’s unusual behavior during Katy Perry’s performance goes viral

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the 40-year-old music producer is shown standing with his arm around his wife, Margaret Qualley, 29.

While other attendees, including Taylor Swift, Tyla, and Suki Waterhouse, danced along to Perry’s performance, Antonoff was spotted raising his hands to his ears. Another clip shows Antonoff and Qualley standing still, with Antonoff’s arm around her waist, while Swift sang along enthusiastically to Perry's 'California Gurls'.

In yet another clip, as Swift and Waterhouse danced to 'Dark Horse', Qualley held her clutch and Antonoff appeared to insert something into his ears.

Critics quickly noted the unusual behavior, speculating that he might have been using AirPods rather than listening to Perry's performance. Perry was at the event to celebrate her legacy and accept the Video Vanguard Award.

Jack Antonoff previously called Katy Perry’s songs 'throwaway'

Jack Antonoff, who is known to Taylor Swift’s fans as the creative force behind some of her biggest hits—such as 'Anti-Hero', 'Cruel Summer', 'August', 'Bejeweled', and 'I Can Do It With a Broken Heart'—has had a contentious history with Katy Perry.

In a GQ interview, he praised Swift’s songwriting while dismissing songs by Perry and Lady Gaga as "throwaway" in comparison, as per DailyMail.

At the ceremony, Katy Perry was honored with the 2024 Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her contributions to music over her two-decade career. Bruce Gillmer, chief content officer of music at Paramount+ and president of music, music talent, programming, and events at Paramount, praised Perry as a "musical powerhouse and true pop culture icon".

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift made history by becoming the most decorated solo artist in the event's history, winning seven awards this year and bringing her total to 30 VMAs. Beyonce also has 30 VMAs wins, but 25 are as a solo artist, with the remaining five from her time with Destiny's Child

Internet reacts to Jack Antonoff's behavior during Katy Perry's VMA performance

After viewing the viral video of Jack Antonoff during Katy Perry’s VMA performance, many internet users called out his behavior.

One user said, "Why would that hate Katy Perry?"

The second declared, "He hates cathy."

Another claimed, "Ewwww why even come out if you’re gonna act like this, I knew I didn’t like him I wouldn’t want that energy around me disgusting."

One commented, "It's called jealousy."

Another added, "He's so pathetic." 

One noted, "It’s possible they’re big on ear health like if she goes to a lot his concerts or many concerts in general." 

Another added, "Ugly people never have fun like stop being miserable."

One user defended, "I will never understsand why so many people in the replies hate Jack Antonoff so much. Dude's literally just protecting his hearing which is literally IMPORTANT TO HIS JOB."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online