During the VMAs on Wednesday night, Video Vanguard Award winnerKaty Perryperformeda medley of her hits.

Heappearedto put something in his ears as “ET” began.

Online, some viewers speculated that he was putting in AirPods to block out Katy’s performance.

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“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 rumor and the vitriol spread.

Some linked it to Taylor Swift’s past feud with Katy Perry, whichendedin 2019. jack antonoff get behind me!!

to protect his hearing.

Katy Perry performs on stage wearing a futuristic outfit, surrounded by dancers

it is humiliating to admit that i use them on planes and every night while sleep.”

“the band and i have decided to keep all dates as scheduled,” heconcluded.

Fans were amused and impressed by his response.

An arrow pointing to Jack Antonoff, who puts something in his ear, standing next to Margaret Qualley and Taylor Swift

who do you think you are?

a grammy award winning producer or something?

Thanks for promoting proper concert ear safety Jack bestie

Tweet criticizing Jack Antonoff for putting on AirPods during Katy's performance, calling him a disgusting man

Tweet saying, "this ugly hag jack antunroff putting airpods during Katy’s performance acting as if his music is listenable" with a skull emoji

Jack Antonoff apologizes for using earplugs during a performance, jokingly admitting it goes against his beliefs. He assures fans he will continue with scheduled dates

An image of a Hearos Xtreme Protection Ear Plugs 14-pair pack shared on Jack Antonoff's social media

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff holding hands, smiling at each other on the red carpet at the VMAs. Margaret wears a sleek dress, Jack wears a button up shirt and slacks

Margaret Qualley in a stylish dress smiles at Jack Antonoff in a casual button-up shirt at the MTV Video Music Awards

Jack Antonoff performing on stage with a guitar, lead singer of a band. Poster partially visible in the background