Barry Keoghan is opening up about the emotional toll the fallout from his split with Sabrina Carpenter took on him.
In a recent interview, the actor revealed that the wave of cheating rumors sparked intense online backlash, which fueled his social anxiety and ultimately pushed him to step away from the spotlight. Although influencer Breckie Hill later dismissed the claims as false, Keoghan said the damage had already been done.
Keoghan has revealed that the intense public scrutiny and online attacks he faced in 2024 took a serious toll on his mental health, prompting him to retreat from the spotlight and skip major industry events.
The “Saltburn” actor shared the candid admission on the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, explaining that he became the target of harsh criticism after rumors circulated online accusing him of cheating on Carpenter.
“There was a narrative out there that was never really even spoken on, a narrative that’s not true, and I never confirmed or said anything about it,” Keoghan said. “I just disappeared.”
Keoghan Details Toll Of Brutal Backlash
Keoghan said the backlash quickly escalated beyond rumors, turning deeply personal at its peak.
During the podcast, host Dave Burd asked if the “narrative” centered on cheating, which the actor confirmed. Keoghan went on to reveal that the criticism soon shifted to attacks on his appearance, while some online users allegedly targeted his family, including his grandmother, and even attempted to intimidate his son.
“There’s a lot of hatred towards me for looking like this,” he said.
Although co-host Benny Blanco tried to lighten the mood and apologized for what he endured, Keoghan admitted the experience left him emotionally drained and unable to function at times.
Barry Keoghan Says Rumors Were Later Debunked
Keoghan also pointed out that the cheating narrative was eventually shut down by the very person linked to it, though he suggested the clarification didn’t receive the same level of attention.
The “Dunkirk” actor said influencer Hill later addressed the speculation directly, denying any involvement with him after fans began linking the two over a supposed night out.
Hill took to TikTok with a video titled “Addressing everything,” where she made her stance clear: “To put it simply for you all, no, I did not get with Barry. I have never even encountered this man in my life. The only time I’ve seen him is on my TV screen from watching ‘Saltburn.’”
She added, “I’m sorry, but if I really was the one getting with Barry, why in the world would I be reposting about it? Coming from someone who has been cheated on. I would never want to home wreck any relationship or put any girl through that pain, ever.”
Keoghan Explains Why He Didn’t Speak Out
Keoghan said he made a conscious decision to stay quiet rather than escalate the situation, even as the speculation continued to spread.
Shortly after the rumors gained traction, reports emerged that he and Sabrina Carpenter had decided to “take a break,” signaling the end of their relationship. Around the same time, Keoghan deactivated his social media accounts, later writing on X, “I can only sit and take so much,” per PEOPLE.
Speaking during his podcast appearance, the “Peaky Blinders” actor expressed frustration that Hill’s denial didn’t gain traction, but maintained that he didn’t want to “put her on blast” or drag her further into the controversy.
Reaction to Keoghan’s comments has been split, with some expressing sympathy over what he endured, while others pointed to the broader dangers of online narratives spiraling out of control.
“I don’t even have TikTok, but I heard the cheating rumors. Everything spreads to every platform now. It’s inescapable and reinforced,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another added, “It’s so annoying. TikTok comments are full of people repeating easy-to-verify false things just because another creator said them.”
“I feel bad for him. The public going after his looks has never sat right with me either. If he was an awful person, I’d get it, but not when he isn’t,” a third person shared while many other fans expressed their agreement.
