Barry Keoghan isn't staying silent any longer. The Irish actor recently addressed the rumors swirling around his split from Sabrina Carpenter during an episode of Benny Blanco’s Friends Keep Secrets podcast. The conversation veered into the realm of cyberbullying, with Keoghan candidly discussing how relentless online commentary about his looks drove him to delete his social media accounts.
Keoghan has previously hinted at the toll public attention has taken on him. In a March interview with SiriusXM, he expressed similar frustrations over the constant scrutiny. Yet, his appearance on Friends Keep Secrets marked the first time he tackled the specifics of his breakup with Carpenter, and the rumors that came with it.
“There was a narrative out there that was never really sort of even spoken on,” Keoghan shared. “A narrative that’s not true and I never confirmed or said anything about it. You know, I just disappeared.”
Keoghan delved into how the rumors began, shedding light on the viral video that seemed to ignite the controversy. He explained that a girl made a video suggesting infidelity, only to later retract her statement. "A girl made a video. And then a girl actually made the same video and went, ‘Sorry for making that up,'” Keoghan stated. Despite her retraction, the initial video continued to fuel the fire.
He emphasized his reluctance to speak out initially, fearing it might put the girl in a difficult situation. "I’m aware of all of that. I don’t want to bring anyone else into it," he said, urging people to stop jumping to conclusions.
Amidst the drama, Sabrina Carpenter has been making waves of her own. She recently headlined Coachella 2026, delivering a standout performance with a surprise appearance by Madonna. The duo is set to release their new duet single, “Bring Your Love,” on Thursday.
Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter's intertwined stories remind us of the complexities of living life in the public eye. While Carpenter dazzles on stage, Keoghan seeks peace away from the limelight, hoping for a more understanding audience.