Barry Keoghan Shares His Struggles with Online Criticism About His Appearance

Barry Keoghan Discusses Impact of Online Criticism on His Mental Health

Barry Keoghan has shared his experiences with negative online comments regarding his physical appearance, revealing the adverse effects they have had on his mental health.

In an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up radio show, the 33-year-old actor expressed his struggle with the negative aspects of fame. "There is also a nasty side [of fame], and I think I removed myself from online, but I’m still a curious human being that wants to go on," he said. He emphasized the challenge of attending events, stating, "If I attend an event or if I go somewhere, you want to see how it was received."

Keoghan noted that the criticism has fostered feelings of shyness and avoidance. "It’s not nice, you know, there’s a lot of hate online. There’s a lot of abuse of how I look," he revealed. He admitted that such negativity has led him to withdraw from public engagements entirely. "It’s becoming a problem… I actually don’t go to places because of these things," he explained. "When that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem because you don’t want to even be onscreen anymore."

The Irish actor also voiced concern for his three-year-old son, Brando. "My little boy has to read all this stuff when he gets older," he lamented. This concern was a motivating factor behind Keoghan’s decision to delete his social media accounts, which he previously cited in light of wanting to protect his family.

Reflecting on the broader implications of online commentary, Keoghan mentioned, "I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don’t respond to." He expressed frustration at the "absolute lies" and "disgusting commentary" about his role as a parent, underscoring his determination to set a positive example for Brando. "Each and every day, I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy," he asserted.

As the discourse around mental health and the impact of online bullying continues to grow, Keoghan’s candid reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye.