Barry Keoghan is getting real in regards to the darker side of fame, and the way online hate has began to take a serious toll. The “Saltburn” star opened up in a candid interview about stepping back from public life, revealing how harsh comments about his appearance and private life have impacted not only him, but his work and his role as a father.
Barry Keoghan Calls Out ‘A Lot Of Hate’ On Social Media
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Morning Mash Up,” Keoghan didn’t shrink back from addressing the fact of navigating social media as a public figure.
“I feel I removed myself from online, but I’m still a curious human being that wishes to go on and, if I attend an event or if I am going somewhere, you desire to see the way it was received. And it’s not nice,” he explained in an audio clip.
He went on to explain the environment online as overwhelmingly negative. “There’s numerous hate online. It’s numerous abuse of how I look,” Keoghan added.
Actor Says Online Hate Has Modified His Behavior
The Irish actor admitted the constant criticism has begun to affect how he moves through his profession and private life.
“I say this being absolute pure and honest to you: It’s becoming an issue,” he went on. “So yeah, I don’t should hide away because I’m hiding away. I don’t should go to places because I actually don’t go to places due to these items. But when that starts leaking into your art, it becomes an issue because then you definately don’t even wish to be on screen anymore.”
Beyond his own experience, Keoghan shared that his biggest concern is how the negativity could affect his young son down the road. “It’s disappointing for the fans, nevertheless it’s also disappointing that my little boy has to read all of these things when he gets older,” Keoghan stated, making it clear that protecting his child stays a top priority.
Barry Keoghan Deactivated Instagram After ‘Lines Were Crossed’
Keoghan’s recent comments come after he stepped away from Instagram in 2024 following intense speculation about his split from Sabrina Carpenter. On the time, he addressed the situation in a lengthy message, explaining why he felt the necessity to remove himself from the platform.
“I can only sit and take a lot. My name has been dragged across the web in ways I often don’t reply to,” he wrote. “I even have to reply now since it’s attending to a spot where there are too many lines being crossed.”
The actor added, “I deactivated my account because I can now not let these things distract from my family and my work. The messages I even have received, no one should ever should read them. Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I’m as a parent and each other inhumane thing you may imagine.”
Keoghan Says Trolls Attacked His Family And Personal Past
In that very same statement, Keoghan revealed just how far among the harassment had gone, including attacks on his background and family members. The “Peaky Blinders” actor said people online had been “dragging my character and all the pieces I worked extremely hard for and stand for.”
He continued, “Talking about how I used to be a heroine baby and the way I grew up and dragging my dear mother into it also. Knocking on my granny’s door.”
Barry Keoghan Speaks Out After Trolls Goal His Child And Family
The situation became much more alarming when it began impacting his family directly.
“Sitting outside my baby boy’s house intimidating them. That’s crossing a line. Each and each day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy,” he declared. “I need to offer opportunities for him to learn, fail and grow. I need him to give you the chance to look as much as his daddy, to have full trust in me and know I may have his back irrespective of what,” he said.
He wrote in conclusion, “I would like you to recollect he has to read ALL of this about his father when he’s older. Please be respectful to all. Thank u x.”
At the tip of the day, Keoghan’s focus stays on protecting his son and setting an example.