Jack Antonoff Hangs Up on Reporter After ‘Clickbait’ Question About New Taylor Swift Album

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Jack Antonoff won’t tolerate any more “clickbait” questions about Taylor Swift’s upcoming studio album, a stance he made apparent during a recent interview with the Dutch newspaper NRC.

The songwriter and record producer worked with the “Cruel Summer” singer in the past, but Swift, 34, hasn’t yet released any credits for The Tortured Poets Department, which releases on April 19. While The Los Angeles Times reported last month that Antonoff had “completed” another Swift album, the extent of his involvement is currently unknown.

In addition to his work as a producer, Antonoff, 39, is also the lead singer of the Bleachers. He discussed the recent release of his band’s new self-titled album when the NRC reporter asked him about The Tortured Poets Department.

“You know I don’t talk about that,” Antonoff told the reporter. He then criticized the question, suggesting it was an attempt to generate “clickbait.”

“If you’re looking for clickbait, you’ve come to the wrong place,” he said. The paper reported that Antonoff then hung up after ending the interview by saying, “Thank you for this conversation.”

Despite Antonoff’s response, the reporter’s question was hardly surprising given his professional history with Swift and the anticipation surrounding her 11th studio album. Swifties’ excitement has been building since she announced the new album while accepting a record-setting fourth Album of the Year award at the 2024 Grammys on Feb. 4. Swift also received the award for her 2022 album Midnights. Antonoff, who co-produced Midnights and several of Swift’s other albums, stood on stage beside her when she revealed her new album’s title.

Though The Tortured Poets Department’s credits haven’t yet been revealed, the megastar has shared its track listing. In addition to the album’s main 16 songs, at least four bonus tracks will be included on various album variants. Swift revealed the titles of the bonus tracks while performing overseas as part of her international Eras Tour, which is currently on pause until after the new album drops.