Barry Keoghan, the 33-year-old Irish actor celebrated for his roles in films like Saltburn and the series Peaky Blinders, has pulled back the curtain on the darker side of fame, revealing just how much online abuse is affecting his personal life and career. In a candid interview on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up on March 20, 2026, Keoghan spoke at length about the toll that relentless criticism and bullying about his appearance have taken on him—both as an artist and as a father.
Keoghan’s journey with online scrutiny isn’t new, but the intensity has escalated in recent years. Back in 2024, following his highly publicized split from singer Sabrina Carpenter, the actor decided to delete his Instagram account. The reason? What he described as “disgusting commentary” about his looks and personal life. According to Just Jared, Keoghan explained that he could only “sit and take so much” before needing to step away from the toxic environment that social media had become for him.
“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,” Keoghan admitted during his SiriusXM appearance, as reported by Elite Daily. He didn’t mince words about the nature of the attacks: “There’s a lot of hate online. It’s a lot of abuse of how I look.”
While many celebrities face their fair share of criticism, Keoghan made it clear that the sheer volume and intensity of the abuse he’s received have left a deep mark. “It’s made me shy away,” he said, according to BuzzFeed News. “It’s made me really go inside myself, not want to attend places, not want to go outside.” His honesty was striking: “And I say this being absolute pure and honest to you. It’s becoming a problem. 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. 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’s words shine a light on the rarely discussed emotional labor required to maintain a public persona in the digital age. For an actor whose livelihood depends on being seen, the idea of shying away from the screen is both poignant and alarming. The stakes, he made clear, are not just professional but deeply personal.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Keoghan’s struggle is his concern for his young son, Brando, whom he shares with his ex-partner Alyson Sandro. “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,” Keoghan lamented, as reported by Daily Mail. In a statement he posted to X (formerly Twitter) after leaving Instagram, he pleaded, “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.”
Keoghan’s deactivation of his Instagram account in 2024 wasn’t just about self-preservation—it was also a protective act for his family. “I deactivated my account because I can no longer let this stuff distract from my family and my work. The messages I have received – no person should ever have to read them,” he wrote. The abuse extended beyond comments on his appearance, encompassing attacks on his character, parenting, and even his upbringing. “Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine,” Keoghan recounted. He even described people “knocking on my granny’s door” and “sitting outside my baby boy’s house intimidating them.”
Despite the negativity, Keoghan remains grateful for the support he does receive. “I’ve been blessed that I’ve got an incredible fanbase and people are so lovely out there, you know? And it’s really nice when you do Q&As and you talk to people and you can be there with them and, you know, answer the questions and just give them all of you. And that is the good side of it, but there is also a nasty side of it,” he reflected, as reported by BuzzFeed News. This duality—the love from fans and the hate from trolls—defines the paradox of celebrity in the internet era.
Keoghan’s experience is a stark reminder that online commentary can have real, lasting effects. “I wish people would remember that this kind of commentary can have real, lasting effects and that it costs absolutely nothing to be nice. Do better,” he urged. His plea isn’t just for himself, but for anyone who finds themselves on the receiving end of digital vitriol.
For Keoghan, the battle is ongoing. He’s focused on fatherhood and determined to be a strong role model for Brando. “Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy,” he declared. “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.”
Many in the entertainment industry have echoed Keoghan’s concerns, calling for greater empathy and responsibility online. Mental health organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), have highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of seeking help when needed. The NAMI helpline (1-800-950-6264) and resources like GoodTherapy.org offer support for anyone affected by online abuse.
Keoghan’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles is a powerful act in itself. By sharing his vulnerability, he’s not only advocating for his own well-being and that of his family but also giving voice to countless others who might feel isolated by similar experiences. In a world where the line between public and private life is increasingly blurred, his story is a call to kindness, accountability, and respect.
As Barry Keoghan steps back from the online spotlight, his message lingers: words matter, and the cost of cruelty is far higher than a click or a comment. For fans, colleagues, and strangers alike, his honesty serves as both a warning and a hope that the industry—and the internet—can do better.