From Saltburn’s Naked Walk to Hiding Indoors: Barry Keoghan Says Online Hate Is Killing His Career (You Won’t Believe Why)

Barry Keoghan, the 33-year-old Irish actor who skyrocketed to global fame with his unforgettable (and notoriously bold) full-frontal nude walk in the 2023 psychological thriller Saltburn, is now preparing to take on one of the most high-profile roles of his career: portraying legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ ambitious upcoming project, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. This four-part cinematic series, with each film focusing on a different member of the Fab Four and scheduled for simultaneous release in 2028, has already generated massive anticipation among fans and critics alike.

Yet behind the excitement of this major Hollywood milestone lies a deeply personal struggle that Keoghan recently laid bare in a candid and emotional interview on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up on March 20, 2026. The actor opened up about the relentless wave of online harassment and body-shaming he’s endured—particularly comments harshly criticizing his appearance and labeling him “ugly.” Much of this vitriol intensified following his high-profile breakup with pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter in late 2024, with some of the most aggressive attacks reportedly coming from segments of her fanbase.Keoghan explained that while he has largely stepped away from social media (including deactivating his Instagram account years earlier), his natural curiosity still draws him back occasionally to see public reactions—only to be met with cruelty. “There’s a lot of hate online. It’s a lot of abuse of how I look,” he shared openly. “And it’s kind of past the point that everyone goes through that… but it’s made me shy away. It’s made me really go inside myself, not want to attend places, not want to go outside.”The impact has been profound and isolating.

He described withdrawing from public life entirely—skipping events, red carpets, and social outings—because the constant negativity has become overwhelming. “I actually don’t go to places because of these things,” he admitted. “So yeah, I don’t have to hide away because I am hiding away.”Even more concerning for Keoghan is how this toxicity is beginning to seep into his professional life and passion for acting. “When that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem,” he said earnestly, “because then you don’t even want to be on screen anymore.” The very platform that once celebrated him as a bold, unconventional sex symbol after Saltburn’s viral moments has now turned into a source of deep self-doubt, leaving him questioning whether he wants to continue in the spotlight at all.This isn’t the first time Keoghan has spoken out about fan harassment. Back in 2024, shortly after the split, he publicly called out “disgusting” commentary targeting his looks, character, and even his role as a father to his young son, Brando (whom he shares with ex-partner Alyson Kierans). He emphasized then that no one should have to endure such dehumanizing messages.

The stark irony is hard to ignore: the internet that propelled Keoghan into superstardom through memes, thirst posts, and acclaim for his raw, fearless performances is the same space now eroding his confidence and joy in his craft. As he steps into the iconic shoes of Ringo Starr—complete with the signature mop-top hairstyle already spotted on set—many are left wondering how long the online cruelty will continue to overshadow his undeniable talent.Keoghan’s vulnerability in the interview serves as a sobering reminder of the real human cost behind viral fame and the dark underbelly of celebrity culture in the social media era. Fans and observers alike have rallied in support, calling for kindness and respect, while hoping this talented actor finds the peace and strength to keep shining on screen—whether as Ringo or in whatever comes next. 40 web pages