Barry Keoghan recently discussed the online abuse about his appearance, saying it has affected him so deeply that he no longer wants to go outside.
"A lot of people hate and abuse me online for how I look, and it's kind of past the point of everyone going through that… but it made me shy away. I really went inside myself and stopped wanting to attend places or even go outside," Keoghan explained.
He also added, “I say this being absolutely pure and honest to you. It’s becoming a problem.” Keoghan also shared that he is not being active on any social media, but if he appears at a premiere or any event, he uses social media occasionally just to see how it is being received. Unfortunately, most of the time, the reaction from people didn’t turn out the way he expected.
When he was asked about finding peace in his private life, the Saltburn actor said, “I don’t have to hide away’ cause I am hiding away… I actually don’t go to places because of these things.”
Keoghan noted that he fears the anxieties that his appearance could affect his acting career. “When that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem, because then you don’t want to even be on screen anymore.”
He also worries that his son will have to read the hateful comments about himself (Keoghan) when he grows older enough to read. Keoghan also said that it is very disappointing for the fans and that his son Brando also has to read all of this when he grows up.
Barry Keoghan is renowned for his unsettling performance in his notable films such as The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), and Saltburn (2023). He has also received major critical acclaim by winning a Bafta award for best supporting actor in 2023. and nominated for Oscars for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022).