Barry Keoghan hits back at 'deadbeat dad' claims as he reveals why he keeps son Brando off social media

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Barry Keoghan addressed allegations of being a "deadbeat dad" in a heartfelt interview that reveals his stance on fatherhood, privacy, and the harsh judgments of the online world, as per Just Jared.

Known for his breakout roles in 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and 'Saltburn,' the 31-year-old actor opened up on 'The Louis Theroux Podcast' about the challenges he faces as a father in the public eye and why he's made a conscious choice to keep his young son out of the spotlight. 

Barry Keoghan makes it clear that he isn't an absent father

During his conversation with Louis Theroux, Barry Keoghan directly confronted the allegations that he’s an absentee father, a narrative fueled by his decision to keep his family life largely private.

The actor acknowledged the comments circulating online, explaining that while he does monitor some of what's said about him, these harsh labels don't reflect the truth.

"There’s a lot online. If I didn’t have tough skin or the strength to have, I wouldn’t be sitting here," remarked Keoghan.

His complicated childhood, which was marked by hardships and a lack of stable role models, plays a significant role in his approach to fatherhood, he explained.

"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," said Keoghan. 

Keoghan noted that his decision to keep his son off social media is not a sign of neglect but a deliberate choice to shield Brando from the harshness of public scrutiny.

Since he became more prominent in Hollywood, he’s felt an increasing need to protect his child's privacy.

This decision, however, has led to assumptions and criticisms about his parenting style and commitment as a father, which he finds deeply unfair.

"And it kind of leads me to stop, 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," stated Keoghan. 

He went on to say, "And because I reigned that in, people draw a narrative and go, ‘Absent father, s**t, deadbeat dad,’ and more disgusting things I wouldn’t even repeat. Just the audacity of some people, man. It sickens me, makes me furious."

Barry Keoghan on people talking negatively about his son on social media

Louis Theroux suggested that Barry Keoghan avoid reading social media comments altogether.

But the actor admitted that he occasionally finds himself drawn to these platforms out of curiosity, despite the negativity that often awaits him.

"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," explained Keoghan.

He added, "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."

In 2022, Keoghan welcomed Brando with his then-partner, orthodontic therapist Alyson Kierans. The couple decided to go their separate ways in 2023, and have since been co-parenting their son. 

Despite the challenges of co-parenting, Keoghan has expressed gratitude for his son and a desire to create a supportive and stable environment for him, even if that means he’s less visible in the public eye.

His romantic life has been a hot topic, especially since he began dating pop star Sabrina Carpenter after splitting from Kierans.

The two shared the screen in Carpenter's music video for her hit single 'Please Please Please'. 

While Keoghan has occasionally allowed glimpses into his love life, he’s made it clear that his son’s privacy remains non-negotiable.