Barry Keoghan Opens Up About Online Abuse, Says Trolling Is Making Him “Hide Away”

Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan has delivered a deeply personal and troubling account of the impact online abuse is having on his life and career. During a candid appearance on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up on March 20, 2026, the 33-year-old revealed that relentless trolling about his appearance and personal life has driven him to withdraw from public spaces—and even question his future on screen.

“There’s a lot of hate online”

Keoghan admitted that despite trying to distance himself from social media, curiosity often pulls him back in—only to be met with harsh criticism.

“You want to see how it was received… and it’s not nice. There’s a lot of hate online. It’s a lot of abuse of how I look.”

The actor said the negativity has changed how he lives his life. He now avoids events and public appearances altogether.

“I don’t have to hide away because I am hiding away… I actually don’t go to places because of these things.”

Impact on his career

Perhaps the most concerning revelation was Keoghan’s admission that the abuse is beginning to affect his passion for acting.

“When that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem because then you don’t even want to be on screen anymore.”

This comes at a crucial time in his career. Keoghan is currently promoting Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man and preparing to portray Ringo Starr in an upcoming Beatles biopic project.

Personal toll and concerns for his son

Keoghan also spoke about his three-year-old son, Brando, whom he shares with former partner Alyson Kierans. He expressed concern about his child growing up in a digital world where abusive comments remain permanently visible.

“It’s disappointing that my little boy has to read all of this stuff when he gets older.”

He added that some online attacks have crossed serious boundaries, including accusations about his parenting and references to his difficult childhood in foster care.

Backlash after split with Sabrina Carpenter

The actor linked much of the recent surge in abuse to his high-profile breakup with Sabrina Carpenter in December 2024.

During their relationship, Keoghan was widely embraced by Carpenter’s fanbase. However, after the split, a vocal segment turned against him—criticizing his looks and spreading unverified rumors, including allegations of infidelity.

These claims, amplified by gossip platforms like DeuxMoi, were never substantiated. Keoghan publicly denied them at the time, calling the speculation “inhumane” and “absolute lies,” before deactivating his Instagram account.

A relationship under pressure

While neither Keoghan nor Carpenter officially detailed the reason for their breakup, multiple reports suggested a combination of factors.

Sources indicated both stars were struggling to balance demanding careers—Carpenter’s global success during her “Short n’ Sweet” era and Keoghan’s growing film commitments. Other reports pointed to lifestyle differences and an on-and-off dynamic throughout 2024.

Though some outlets claimed Carpenter initiated the split, more widely accepted accounts described it as a mutual decision driven by conflicting schedules.

Looking ahead

As of early 2026, both Keoghan and Carpenter are focusing on their careers.