Jack Antonoff had a very simple explanation for plugging his ears during Katy Perrys performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday and it had nothing to do with Perry herself.

The Bleachers frontman and longtime Taylor Swift collaborator drew a flurry of backlash online when photos emerged showing him popping in what appeared to be AirPods as Perry was performing a medley of her greatest hits.

Many of the comments attempted to loop Antonoff who has co-written and produced songs on some of Swifts biggest albums, including her most recent, The Tortured Poets Department into the feud that has been rumored to exist between Perry and Swift for years. (Never mind that the two women seemingly settled that alleged dispute some time ago.)

This guy is pathetic. Katy has never even acknowledged his existence...lol, one person wrote on X , formerly Twitter.

Added another : Thats so disrespectful wtf just because you hate someone doesnt mean you do that she doesnt even know him...

A number of media outlets, including the U.K.s Daily Mail , picked up on the frenzy with articles blasting Antonoffs odd behavior while Perry was onstage.