Barry Keoghan Addresses Fatherhood Criticism on Podcast

Barry Keoghan, a prominent 32-year-old Irish actor, recently opened up about the backlash he has faced regarding his role as a father during an episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, released on November 5. The actor, known for his performances in acclaimed films such as Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin, and The Batman, confronted allegations of being labeled a “deadbeat dad”towards his two-year-old son, Brando, whom he shares with ex-partner Alyson Sandro.

Defending His Parenting Choices

Keoghan expressed his frustration over these criticisms, asserting that they mischaracterize his commitment to fatherhood. He attributes the negative perceptions primarily to his decision to maintain Brando’s privacy.

“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 further explained his anger towards those who make sweeping assumptions based on his personal choices. Keoghan stated:

“Because I reigned that in, 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. It makes me furious.”

Understanding His Commitment as a Father

During the podcast, Barry Keoghan reiterated that online critics often lack insight into his parenting dedication, claiming they have “no indication”of his efforts. He emphasized the importance of not “feeding”into the narratives crafted by these individuals, asserting that they do not deserve his engagement.

Although Keoghan has limited his social media presence regarding his son, he occasionally shares cherished moments. A notable post from August featured a charming selfie with Brando, captioned:

“He’s more of a charmer than I am. Our wee Brando.”

Confronting Other Public Critiques

In addition to addressing fatherhood concerns, Keoghan also tackled criticisms about his appearance and acting choices. In his discussion with Theroux, he revealed the hurtful nature of online commentary regarding his looks, stating:

“People can sit there and make videos and be like, ‘I don’t like his face,’ ‘He looks weird’ or ‘He looks evil’ and just pick you apart.”

Despite possessing “tough skin,”Keoghan lamented the sad reality of being judged so harshly by strangers online. His commitment to growth as an actor has led him to reevaluate the types of roles he chooses, moving away from portrayals of “weird”or villainous characters. He expressed a desire to learn from established actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale, who selectively take on projects.

Upcoming Projects and Personal Reflections

The talented actor has an exciting slate ahead, including a role in the anticipated Peaky Blinders film, which will build upon the series’ narrative. He recently starred in Saltburn, where he portrays a character who stealthily integrates into an affluent family. The film includes a memorable scene where Keoghan dances through a mansion to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,”which has led to speculation about digital effects—claims that he has firmly dismissed.

Reflecting on his journey during the podcast, Keoghan also shared insights into his difficult childhood spent in foster care, having lived with 13 different families. These experiences have significantly influenced his perception of life and shaped his approach to fatherhood.

For further insights and updates on Barry Keoghan, check out the original article here.