Barry Keoghan has finally addressed claims circulating online that label him as a “deadbeat dad.” The 31-year-old Saltburn actor opened up about the personal impact of these accusations in a candid conversation on The Louis Theroux Podcast, where he shared his thoughts on fatherhood and social media.
When asked about the criticism he’s received as a father, Barry didn’t hold back. “There’s a lot online,” he began, acknowledging the harsh scrutiny. “If I didn’t have tough skin or the strength to have, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” he said, emphasizing how thick skin has been essential for him, especially with the public’s constant watch on his personal life. The actor also pointed to his challenging upbringing as a factor in shaping his approach to fatherhood, stating, “Of course, [his childhood is] going to affect me being a father when I had no blueprint to take from. People just read that [as] laziness and go, ‘Oh, that’s no excuse to be an absent father.’ I’m not an absent father. But it’s just, again, people love to use my son as ammunition or whatever.”
In his role as a father, Barry has opted to keep his son away from social media, a decision that seems to have sparked criticism. “The more attention I’ve [gotten] lately and the more in the public I’ve become, the less I’ve posted about my child, because I don’t think it’s fair to put my child online,” he explained. He added that his decision to limit posts about his son has unfortunately led people to jump to conclusions. “People draw a narrative and go, ‘Absent father, s—, deadbeat dad,’ and more disgusting things I wouldn’t even repeat. Just the audacity of some people, man. It sickens me, makes me furious,” he shared with frustration.
When Louis Theroux suggested that Barry avoid reading online comments, Barry admitted that it’s not always easy to resist. “When I’ve got a bit of time, I am a curious being like all of us, and you want to know what [people are saying online], especially when it’s slander and when it’s bad comments attacking my appearance or attacking me as a father,” he said, explaining the pull that negative comments can have. “I’ve even blocked out certain words because I don’t want to read that. Stuff like my son – people don’t deserve to put that in a sentence, anything. I’m just trying to make a living, trying to get a good body of work and create safety for my child.”
Barry shares his son with his ex, Alyson Sandro, and while he is clearly protective of his child, he’s also fiercely dedicated to his career, finding a balance that works for his family. He touched on how social media doesn’t always show the whole picture and shared his perspective on parenting while under public scrutiny. Despite the public’s assumptions, Barry’s focus remains on creating a safe and stable life for his son and building a strong legacy through his work.
The actor’s willingness to speak out on such personal issues provides a glimpse into the unique pressures public figures face, especially as parents. For Barry, protecting his child’s privacy is a priority, even if it means facing unfair assumptions. His statement sends a message that, while he may not live out his personal life in the spotlight, he is deeply committed to fatherhood in his own way.
