Irish actor Barry Keoghan is speaking out about the wave of online vitriol he encountered regarding his appearance following his high-profile separation from pop star Sabrina Carpenter.
During a candid conversation on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up this past Friday, the 33-year-old actor admitted that the intensity of the digital backlash drove him into a period of self-imposed isolation. Reflecting on the aftermath of his late 2024 breakup, Keoghan shared how the toxic environment on social media forced him to retreat from the public eye.
“There is a significant amount of hostility online, much of it targeting my physical appearance,” Keoghan told host Ben Harlum. While he attempted to distance himself from social platforms, he admitted that human curiosity often led him back to check the reception of his public appearances—only to be met with hurtful commentary. “It’s deeply unpleasant,” he noted.
The Banshees of Inisherin star confessed that the persistent harassment has had a tangible impact on his social life and mental well-being, making him increasingly reluctant to attend industry events or even step outside. He expressed concern that this culture of cruelty is starting to seep into his professional life, potentially diminishing his passion for performing.
“It’s becoming an obstacle,” he explained. “I’m not just choosing to stay home; I feel compelled to hide away because of these interactions. When that begins to influence your craft, it’s a problem because it makes you question whether you even want to be on camera anymore.”
Keoghan’s decision to deactivate his Instagram account in December 2024 followed shortly after his split from Carpenter. In a subsequent, detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), he clarified his departure from the platform, stating he could no longer permit online distractions to interfere with his career or his responsibilities as a parent.
He described the messages he received as “inhumane,” noting they ranged from character assassinations to “disgusting commentary” about his looks and his parenting. “No person should ever have to read the things I’ve been sent,” he wrote at the time.
Keoghan and Carpenter were romantically linked for approximately one year, making their first major public appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty. Their creative collaboration was highlighted when Keoghan starred in the music video for Carpenter’s chart-topping hit, “Please Please Please.” Sources indicated that the couple ultimately decided to part ways due to the demands of their respective careers.
Beyond his own well-being, Keoghan voiced worries about the long-term effects of this digital paper trail on his three-year-old son, Brando. “It’s disheartening to think that my son will eventually grow up and be able to read all of this negativity,” he remarked.
Despite the personal challenges, Keoghan remains focused on several high-profile projects. He is slated to portray Ringo Starr in director Sam Mendes’ upcoming four-part Beatles cinematic series. He joins an elite ensemble cast including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. The ambitious film project is expected to premiere in theaters in April 2028.
