Barry Keoghan Opens Up About the Impact of Online Hate and Concerns for His Son
Barry Keoghan, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man and Saltburn, has spoken candidly about the detrimental effects of online bullying and the steps he’s taken to protect himself and his family. The 33-year-old actor revealed that the relentless criticism directed at his appearance is beginning to impact his career, leading him to withdraw from public life.
The Toll of Online Criticism
Keoghan explained in a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up that despite limiting his social media presence, he still feels the sting of online negativity. “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,” he said. He described the online environment as filled with “a lot of hate” and “a lot of abuse of how I look.”
The actor expressed concern that the constant negativity is affecting his passion for his work. “I say this being absolute pure and honest to you: It’s becoming a problem,” Keoghan stated. “So yeah, I don’t have to hide away given that I am hiding away. I don’t have to go to places because I actually don’t go to places because of these things.” He added that the online abuse has reached a point where it’s making him hesitant to even appear on screen.
Protecting His Son, Brando
Keoghan’s worries extend beyond his own well-being. He voiced deep concern about his three-year-old son, Brando, potentially encountering the hateful comments directed at him online. “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,” he said.
Previous Social Media Withdrawal
This isn’t the first time Keoghan has stepped away from social media in response to online harassment. In 2024, he deactivated his Instagram account amid rumors surrounding his breakup with Sabrina Carpenter, according to the Irish Star.
At the time, he addressed the “lies, hatred” and “disgusting commentary” he received on X (formerly Twitter), explaining his decision to withdraw. He detailed the extent of the abuse, including attacks on his character, his parenting, and even his family members, stating that some individuals had even gone to his mother’s and grandmother’s homes and intimidated them. He emphasized the importance of protecting his son, stating, “Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy.”
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man and Beyond
Keoghan recently reprised his role as Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the film continuation of the popular BBC and Netflix series. The film, starring alongside Cillian Murphy, explores the Shelby family’s story further, building on the success of the original series, which became a cultural phenomenon after its debut in 2013. Decider notes the film aimed to wrap up loose ends and provide a fitting conclusion to Tommy Shelby’s story.
As Keoghan navigates the challenges of fame and online scrutiny, his priority remains protecting his family and preserving his passion for acting.
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