Irish actor Barry Keoghan has taken a stand against cyberbullying following his breakup with pop star Sabrina Carpenter after deactivating his Instagram account.
- Dec 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - The digital age offers innumerable benefits, but it also harbors a darker side. Barry Keoghan, best known for his role in "Saltburn," recently deactivated his Instagram account amidst a wave of online abuse that followed the news of his breakup with singer Sabrina Carpenter.
The couple, who dated for nearly a year, reportedly ended their relationship earlier this week. Since then, Keoghan has faced overwhelming cyberbullying, prompting him to address the situation openly on X, formerly Twitter.
Keoghan's statement was emotionally charged and revealing. "I can only sit and take so much," he began. "My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don't respond to. I have to respond now because it's getting to a place where there are too many lines being crossed."
He elaborated on the nature of the abuse, noting that "no person should have to read them," and cited "absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine."
The actor elucidated further, revealing the depths of the harassment. Keoghan has been called a "heroine baby" due to his late mother's substance abuse issues, an affront that cuts deep considering his challenging upbringing.
Additionally, his family has been targeted, with claims that people have been "knocking on my grannies door" and "sitting outside my baby boys house intimidating them." This level of intrusion, as Keoghan emphasized, crosses a significant line.
Furthermore, internet rumors have swirled, accusing Keoghan of cheating on Carpenter with influencer Breckie Hill. Social media detectives have pointed to Hill's posts and public appearances as evidence although neither Keoghan nor Carpenter has confirmed these allegations. Both stars have remained tight-lipped, focusing on their careers instead. Carpenter, for instance, has been busy promoting her new Netflix special, "A Nonsense Christmas."
Keoghan's primary concern is for his young son, Brando. "I need you to remember he has to read ALL of this about his father when he is older," he wrote. "Please be respectful to all." The actor's plea serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of words, especially in the digital era.
In a world where online harassment is rampant, Keoghan's experience underscores the need for greater empathy and respect in digital interactions. As young people navigate these spaces, his message resonates: think before you post, and consider the real humans behind the screen.