The acclaimed actor from Saltburn took a stand against online harassment during his September appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, where he discussed the unwarranted criticism he faces as a parent to his 2-year-old son, Brando. Keoghan’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggle many public figures endure when balancing their private lives with the demands of their careers and the incessant scrutiny of social media, which often amplifies misconceptions and unfounded judgments.

“There’s a lot online. If I didn’t have the strength of character or resilience, I wouldn’t be able to sit here today,” Keoghan explained to Theroux. He admitted that his own childhood experiences impact his parenting style, as he lacks a traditional blueprint to follow. While some critics dismiss his struggles as laziness, labeling him an “absent father,” he strongly asserts that he is very much present in Brando’s life and is committed to being a devoted dad.

Keoghan shares his son Brando with ex-partner Alyson Sandro. He seemed to be reflecting on past comments he made during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in September. There, he opened up about his relationship with Brando while promoting his new film, Chicken. In this context, he expressed the challenges of raising his son without having had a conventional father-son dynamic to draw upon, which has made the journey of fatherhood uniquely challenging and deeply personal for him.

He elaborated, “However it’s frustrating when people use my son as ammunition against me. It’s made me more cautious and reserved; the more attention I’ve received recently, the less I feel inclined to share about my child online. I don’t believe it is fair to expose my son to unwanted public attention.” This sentiment resonates with many parents who navigate the complexities of sharing their lives while trying to protect their children from the harsh judgments of the online world.

“Since I started pulling back from sharing, people create narratives that label me as ‘absent father’ or worse, ‘deadbeat dad,’ along with other despicable names I’d rather not repeat,” Keoghan expressed. His frustration is palpable as he addresses the audacity of some individuals to make such hurtful judgments. This reality highlights how social media can distort perceptions, often leading to harmful assumptions about someone’s character based solely on their online presence.

Theroux advised the actor to “avoid looking at online comments,” prompting Keoghan to explain why he sometimes finds himself drawn to the opinions expressed about him. This exchange underscores the innate human curiosity that drives many to seek validation or answers, even when it may lead to more stress and anxiety in the face of negative feedback.

While he admitted to staying offline during character preparation for roles, the 32-year-old actor from Ireland revealed, “When I have some downtime, my curiosity gets the better of me. I want to know what people are saying, especially when it involves slander or negative comments targeting my appearance or my role as a father.” This highlights the emotional toll that public scrutiny can take on individuals, especially those in the spotlight who strive for authenticity in their personal lives.

“I’ve gone so far as to block specific words from my feed because I refuse to engage with that negativity. Anything involving my son is off-limits; I don’t want that to enter my thoughts,” he shared. “My focus is on building a safe and stable environment for my child while pursuing my career and creating a meaningful body of work.” This mindfulness reflects a broader trend among parents in the public eye, who are increasingly taking steps to shield their children from the toxic effects of online discourse.

Keoghan welcomed his son Brando with ex-partner Alyson Sandro in August 2022. Their relationship began in early 2021 but ultimately ended in the summer of 2023. This timeline not only illustrates the dynamics of modern relationships but also reflects the challenges that come with balancing personal life and public persona, especially when children are involved.

The Oscar-nominated actor has since found companionship with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. The couple first sparked romance rumors in December of last year when they were spotted together in Los Angeles, igniting interest from fans and media alike regarding their blossoming relationship.

Although Keoghan has kept much of his relationship with the “Espresso” singer private, he did share with Theroux that he feels “incredibly blessed” to be with her. This affirmation speaks volumes about his appreciation for love and partnership, especially given the challenges he faces in navigating fame and personal life.

He further praised Carpenter, describing her as “a remarkably strong, independent woman who is exceptionally talented and truly special.” This acknowledgment not only highlights his admiration for her but also underscores the importance of supportive relationships in the lives of individuals who are often under the public’s gaze.