Barry Keoghan: Social Media Trolling Affects Career & Fears for Son
Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor acclaimed for his roles in films like Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, has revealed the significant impact of online abuse on his life and career, expressing fears for his young son’s future exposure to the negativity. The 33-year-old actor detailed the “nasty side” of social media and the toll it has taken, stating it is “becoming a problem” that affects his willingness to engage with public life and even his work.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up on Friday, Keoghan explained that despite largely withdrawing from social media platforms, he still feels compelled to check how his public appearances are received, only to be met with harsh criticism. “I think I removed myself from online, but I’m still a curious human being that wants to go on and, if I attend an event or if I go somewhere, you want to see how it was received. And it’s not nice,” he said, according to reports. He described the abuse as focused on his physical appearance.
The actor acknowledged that the constant negativity has led to a withdrawal from public life. “I say this being absolute pure and honest to you: It’s becoming a problem,” Keoghan stated. “So yeah, I don’t have to hide away because I am hiding away. I don’t have to go to places because I actually don’t go to places because of these things.” He further elaborated that the abuse is beginning to impact his artistic endeavors, making him hesitant to continue working in front of the camera. “But when that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem because then you don’t even want to be on screen anymore.”
Keoghan also voiced concerns about his three-year-old son, Brando, potentially encountering the online abuse directed at him as he grows older. “It is disappointing for the fans, but it’s also disappointing that my little boy has to read all of this stuff when he gets older,” he said.
This revelation follows Keoghan’s decision to deactivate his Instagram account in 2024 amid speculation surrounding his breakup with singer Sabrina Carpenter. At the time, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to address what he described as “lies, hatred” and “disgusting commentary” aimed at him and his family. He detailed the extent of the abuse, including threats made against his loved ones.
In a lengthy post on X, Keoghan wrote about receiving messages containing “absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine.” He also described instances of harassment targeting his family, including visits to his mother and grandmother’s homes and intimidation near his son’s residence. “Sitting outside my baby boy’s house intimidating them. That’s crossing a line,” he wrote. He emphasized his commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for his son, stating, “Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy.”
Keoghan concluded his post with a plea for respect, acknowledging the potential for his son to read the online commentary in the future. “I want to provide opportunities for him to learn, fail and grow. I want him to be able to look up to his daddy, to have full trust in me and know I will have his back no matter what,” he wrote. “I need you to remember he has to read ALL of this about his father when he is older. Please be respectful to all. Thank u x.”