Barry Keoghan rethinking movie career amid online 'abuse' over looks

The actor says the constant harassment has become a 'problem' and is impacting his art and family.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:26pm

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Actor Barry Keoghan has revealed that he has been facing intense online bullying and harassment over his appearance, leading him to avoid public events and reconsider his movie career. The 'Saltburn' star said the abuse, which started after his breakup with singer Sabrina Carpenter, has become 'a problem' and is even affecting his ability to be on screen. Keoghan is also worried about the impact the hate will have on his 3-year-old son, Brando. Despite the online vitriol, the 33-year-old actor remains busy with projects like the Netflix 'Peaky Blinders' movie and an upcoming Beatles biopic.

Why it matters

Keoghan's experience highlights the growing problem of online harassment and abuse that many celebrities, especially those in the public eye, face. The actor's decision to potentially step back from his career due to the constant criticism raises concerns about the mental health toll of such abuse and the need for better protections and support for public figures.

The details

After his breakup with singer Sabrina Carpenter in late 2024, Keoghan said he faced a 'slew of online bullying' and 'a lot of abuse' over his appearance. The harassment has become so severe that the actor has avoided public events and is even reconsidering his movie career, worried that the hate is 'leaking into' his art. Keoghan is also concerned about the impact the online vitriol will have on his young son, Brando.

  • In December 2024, Keoghan and Carpenter called it quits after a year of dating.
  • In August 2024, sources said the pair's relationship was 'on and off'.
  • Keoghan and Carpenter were first romantically linked in December 2023.

The players

Barry Keoghan

An Irish actor who has starred in films like 'Saltburn' and the Netflix 'Peaky Blinders' movie. He is currently rethinking his movie career due to intense online harassment over his appearance.

Sabrina Carpenter

An American singer and actress who dated Keoghan for a year before they broke up in late 2024. The end of their relationship triggered a wave of online abuse directed at Keoghan.

Brando

Keoghan's 3-year-old son, whom the actor is worried will be impacted by the online hate directed at his father.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of hate online. It's a lot of abuse of how I look.”

— Barry Keoghan, Actor

“It's becoming a problem. 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.”

— Barry Keoghan, Actor

“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.”

— Barry Keoghan, Actor

The takeaway

Keoghan's experience highlights the growing problem of online harassment and abuse that many public figures, especially celebrities, face. The toll this can take on an individual's mental health and career is concerning, and it underscores the need for better support and protection for those in the public eye.