Barry Keoghan deactivates Instagram over ‘hatred’ he receives
4 min read
Irish actor Barry Keoghan has deactivated his Instagram account, citing the overwhelming amount of online hate and personal attacks he has been receiving. The 32-year-old actor, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, made the decision after being subjected to a wave of harmful comments, including false rumors about his personal life.
Keoghan’s decision came shortly after rumors emerged claiming that he had broken up with his girlfriend, US pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The actor took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his reasons for stepping away from social media, urging followers to “please be respectful” and explaining that the abuse he had received was taking a toll on him and his loved ones.
“I can no longer let this stuff distract from my family and my work,” Keoghan wrote in his post. He went on to explain how his name had been dragged through the mud online, with people spreading lies and making hurtful comments about his appearance, character, and parenting. “Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine,” he said. “Dragging my character and everything I worked extremely hard for and stand for.”
The actor also detailed how the harassment had crossed a line, not just targeting him, but also involving his family. He described how his mother had been dragged into the online vitriol, with his grandmother’s door being knocked and people even intimidating his young son, Brando, who is only 2 years old. “They’re sitting outside his house intimidating them,” Keoghan said, showing the severe impact these attacks have had on his family.
Keoghan, who grew up in foster care after his mother tragically passed away from a drug overdose, has been open about the difficulties of his childhood. His vulnerability and transparency about his past have made him a relatable figure to many fans, but they have also made him a target for cruel online behavior.
In his statement, Keoghan expressed his commitment to being a better father and role model for his son. “Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy,” he shared. “I want to provide opportunities for him to learn, fail, and grow. I want him to be able to look up to his daddy, to have full trust in me and know I will have his back no matter what.”
He also emphasized the emotional impact of the online abuse, particularly as his son will one day read about these attacks. “I need you to remember he has to read all of this about his father when he is older,” Keoghan wrote, imploring people to think before they post harmful comments. “Please be respectful to all. Thank u x.”
Keoghan’s decision to deactivate his account follows a broader trend of celebrities and public figures speaking out against the toxic environment on social media. In a previous interview on the Louis Theroux Podcast, Keoghan discussed the “absolutely disgusting” comments about his appearance and the way his son had been used as “ammunition” against him. He reflected on how his difficult childhood impacted his ability to be a father, noting that he had no blueprint for fatherhood and often faced unfair criticism from those who misunderstood his experiences.
Keoghan, who has had a successful career in film, including earning a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin and an Academy Award nomination for the same role, has become a well-known figure in Hollywood. His other notable film roles include his performances as Martin in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Dympna in Calm with Horses. However, despite his rising star and critical acclaim, he continues to face personal challenges in the public eye.
The harassment Keoghan has experienced underscores the toxic nature of online interactions, especially for those in the public eye. The actor’s decision to leave Instagram highlights the profound effect that digital abuse can have on individuals, especially when it extends to their families. Keoghan’s message for his followers is clear: respect one another and remember that words have consequences, particularly for those who are trying to do their best for their families.
As Keoghan steps back from social media, it’s evident that the pressures of fame and the invasion of privacy he’s faced have taken a significant toll. His hope is that by taking this action, he can focus on what truly matters—his family and his work—while also setting a positive example for others on how to stand up against online hate and negativity.
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