The weight of online scrutiny is taking a toll on Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor known for his roles in films like Saltburn and Dunkirk. Increasingly burdened by a barrage of negative comments about his appearance, Keoghan has revealed he’s considering stepping away from acting altogether. The issue of online abuse and its impact on public figures, particularly concerning body image, is gaining increased attention, and Keoghan’s experience highlights the very real consequences of unchecked negativity.
Speaking recently on the The Morning Mash Up radio show, Keoghan described the pervasive “hate” he encounters online. Despite deleting his social media accounts, the criticism continues to reach him, impacting his willingness to engage in public life. This isn’t a new phenomenon for the actor, but the intensity appears to be escalating, prompting a serious reevaluation of his career path.
“There’s a lot of hate online. It’s a lot of abuse of how I look,” Keoghan stated, as reported by People and PageSix. He explained that the constant negativity has led to a withdrawal from public appearances. “I say this being absolute… it’s starting to become a problem. I don’t have to hide anymore, I’ve been doing this for a while. I don’t have to go anywhere because I’m actually not going anywhere because of these things. But when it starts to affect the art, then that’s a problem, because you don’t want to be on screen anymore.”
A Retreat from Public Life
Keoghan’s decision to step back from the public eye coincides with the finish of his relationship with singer Sabrina Carpenter in December 2024. Reports indicate that Carpenter’s fanbase directed significant criticism towards Keoghan during and after the relationship, contributing to the online harassment. While the actor acknowledged the breakup as a factor, he emphasized that the broader issue of online abuse is the primary driver of his distress. He described a feeling of being constantly judged, even when simply trying to live a normal life.
“I deleted myself off the internet, but I’m still a curious person, I still want to move forward, and if I’m at an event or I’m going somewhere, I want to know how it’s being perceived. And it’s not kindly,” Keoghan said. “It’s made me retreat, it’s made me insular, it’s made me not want to show up anywhere, not want to go out.”
The Impact on Family
Beyond his own well-being, Keoghan expressed concern about the potential impact of this online negativity on his three-year-old son, Brandor, whose mother is Alyson Sandró. The thought of his son encountering these hurtful comments as he grows older is deeply troubling. “It’s not just disappointing for the fans, but it’s my son as well, who’s going to have to read all this when he’s older,” he shared.
This concern underscores a growing awareness of the challenges faced by children of celebrities in the digital age. The potential for online harassment to extend to family members adds another layer of complexity to the issue of public scrutiny.
The Broader Context of Online Abuse
Keoghan’s experience is not isolated. Numerous actors, musicians, and other public figures have spoken out about the damaging effects of online harassment. The anonymity afforded by the internet often emboldens individuals to engage in abusive behavior, and the speed and reach of social media can amplify the impact of such attacks. The rise of “cancel culture” and the prevalence of online shaming have created a climate where public figures are increasingly vulnerable to criticism and condemnation.
The actor’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles is a significant step in raising awareness about this issue. By sharing his story, Keoghan is hoping to spark a conversation about the need for greater online accountability and the importance of protecting individuals from cyberbullying and harassment.
Barry Keoghan says he is reconsidering his movie career over “abuse” online about his looks.
“There’s a lot of hate online. It’s a lot of abuse of how I look.”
The ‘Saltburn’ actor said he considers not being on screen anymore due to the comments:
“I say this being absolute… pic.twitter.com/eELmhGh6D1
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 21, 2026
As of now, it remains unclear whether Keoghan will ultimately decide to leave acting. He has several projects in development, and his talent is widely recognized within the industry. However, his recent comments suggest that his future career choices will be heavily influenced by his desire to protect his mental health and well-being. The actor’s representatives have not yet issued a formal statement regarding his future plans, but are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
The next public appearance for Keoghan is currently unconfirmed, but industry observers anticipate further discussion surrounding the issue of online abuse and its impact on performers. The conversation surrounding the pressures faced by actors and the need for a more supportive and respectful online environment is likely to continue, and Keoghan’s experience will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further dialogue.
If you or someone you know is struggling with online harassment or mental health issues, resources are available. You can reach the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative at https://cybercivilrights.org/ or the National Alliance on Mental Illness at https://www.nami.org/.
What are your thoughts on the impact of online criticism on public figures? Share your perspective in the comments below.
