Barry Keoghan Opens Up About Devastating Impact of Online Bullying Over His Appearance
In a candid and emotional interview, Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan has revealed the profound toll that relentless online hate and bullying over his appearance has taken on his life. The 33-year-old star, known for his roles in Saltburn and Eternals, shared that the abuse has become so severe it has forced him into a reclusive state, avoiding public places and even impacting his artistic work.
"It's Made Me Shy Away": Keoghan's Heartfelt Admission
During a March 20 episode on SiriusXM, Keoghan spoke openly about the "nasty" online hate he endures. "There's a lot of hate online," he stated. "There's a lot of abuse of how I look, and it's kind of past the point of—you know, everyone goes through that... but it's made me shy away. It's made me really go inside myself, not want to attend places, not want to go outside." He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, adding, "I say this being absolute pure and honest to you. It's becoming a problem."
When asked if he has a sanctuary to escape the Hollywood spotlight and "just be a normal person," Keoghan admitted he "actually [doesn't go] to places" due to the negative attention. "I don't have to hide away because I am hiding away," he explained, highlighting how the bullying has infiltrated his personal and professional life. The actor noted that the hate has started "leaking" into his art, making him reluctant to be on screen. "Because then you don't want to even be on screen anymore," he confessed.
Background: A History of Public Struggles
Keoghan's openness follows his December 2024 announcement that he was deactivating his Instagram account after his highly publicized breakup with pop star Sabrina Carpenter. At the time, he posted on X, "I can only sit and take so much," expressing frustration that his name was being "dragged across the internet." He explained he responded publicly because "it's getting to a place where too many lines are being crossed," and he could no longer let it distract from his family and career.
The actor shares his three-year-old son, Brando, with ex-girlfriend Alyson Sandro. In the interview, Keoghan expressed deep concern about how the online abuse might affect his child in the future. "It's disappointing for the fans," he said about his reclusive behavior, "but I worry most about it affecting my son, who has to read all of this stuff when he gets older."
A Silver Lining: Gratitude for Supportive Fans
Despite the overwhelming pressure from internet trolls, Keoghan remains grateful for his supportive fan base. "People are so lovely out there," he gushed. "It's really nice when you do Q&As, and you talk to people, and you can be there with them and answer their questions and give them all of you. And that is the good side of it." He described himself as "blessed" to have an "incredible fan base," offering a glimmer of positivity amid the challenges.
This revelation sheds light on the often-hidden mental health struggles faced by celebrities in the digital age, where online bullying can have real-world consequences on personal well-being and professional endeavors.
