Barry Keoghan Opens Up About Relentless Online Abuse Targeting His Appearance
Irish actor Barry Keoghan has publicly addressed the severe online abuse he faces regarding his physical appearance, revealing how the constant trolling has impacted his mental health and professional life. The 33-year-old star, known for roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, shared his experiences during a recent interview on SiriusXM's The Morning Mash Up.
The Toll of Online Hate on Personal and Professional Life
Keoghan detailed how the negative comments have made him increasingly anxious about leaving his home and attending public events. "There's a lot of hate online. It's a lot of abuse of how I look," he stated, emphasizing that the criticism has begun to affect his artistic work. "When that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem, because then you don't even want to be on screen anymore," Keoghan admitted, highlighting the professional consequences of the trolling.
The actor also expressed concern for his three-year-old son Brando, worrying about the lasting impact these comments might have as his child grows older. Keoghan has since removed himself from social media platforms, having deleted his Instagram account last year due to the relentless negative commentary.
Fans Rally in Support Against Cruel Comments
Following his public statements, numerous fans and supporters have defended Keoghan across social media platforms. Many condemned the unnecessary cruelty directed at his appearance, with one user noting, "I actually think it's horrible considering where he comes from in life and the fact this dude has had quite a bit of trauma before his success."
Other supporters emphasized the human cost of online abuse, with comments including: "It's heartbreaking that anyone has to experience this kind of abuse. Social media can be cruel," and "Nobody should feel trapped indoors because of how they look and Barry saying it out loud takes courage."
Historical Context of Public Scrutiny
This isn't the first time Keoghan has faced public criticism. Following his high-profile relationship with American singer Sabrina Carpenter, which began three years ago, the actor received significant backlash from fans of his ex-partner, including death threats and harassment that extended to his family members. He previously described incidents where fans knocked on his grandmother's door and intimidated his family.
During a November 2024 appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Keoghan discussed how people frequently criticize his appearance, saying they "make videos and be like 'I don't like his face, he looks weird, or he looks evil' and just pick you apart." He has consistently emphasized the need for resilience in facing such criticism, stating, "If I didn't have tough skin or the strength I have, I wouldn't be sitting here."
Career Trajectory and Future Projects
Despite the challenges, Keoghan continues to work on significant film projects. He is currently filming Sam Mendes' The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, where he will portray Ringo Starr alongside co-stars Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn. The films are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028.
Keoghan's career began as a teenager, but he gained widespread recognition in 2017 with roles in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and Yorgos Lanthimos' The Killing of a Sacred Deer. His breakthrough came with the 2022 film Saltburn, which established him as a household name, followed by notable performances in The Banshees of Inisherin and the recently released Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
The actor has previously spoken about his difficult childhood, including time in foster care and the death of his mother following struggles with drug addiction. These personal experiences have shaped his perspective on handling public criticism and online abuse.
