Barry Keoghan's Defense Against 'Deadbeat Dad' Accusations

In a heartfelt revelation on "The Louis Theroux Podcast," Irish actor Barry Keoghan fiercely defended himself against accusations of being an "absent father" to his 2-year-old son, Brando. Keoghan, known for his roles in films like "Saltburn" and "The Banshees of Inisherin," opened up about his challenging upbringing, which he believes has shaped his approach to fatherhood.

"I think people need to walk a day in my shoes before they pass judgment on my parenting," he said passionately. The 32-year-old actor was raised in a tumultuous environment, having never known his father. His childhood was marked by his mother's battle with addiction and a tumultuous period spent in foster care, where he and his brother jumped between 13 different homes over seven years. Tragically, his mother passed away from a heroin overdose when he was just 12.

Fatherhood Journey and Social Media Withdrawals

Keoghan welcomed Brando with his ex-partner Alyson Kierans in August 2022. Initially sharing moments of fatherhood on social media, he decided to pull back after receiving overwhelming negativity over his parenting choices. "If I didn’t have tough skin, I wouldn’t be sitting here," he mentioned, underscoring the emotional toll the criticism has taken on him.

He explained that his upbringing left him without a blueprint for fatherhood, which some misinterpret as laziness. "I am not an absent father," he declared strongly, adding that the harsh comments and the public scrutiny of his parenting have only intensified his desire to shield his child from the spotlight. “There are sick people out there,” he said, emphasizing the need for privacy for his son.

Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Life

Despite his efforts to control the narrative by curtailing his social media presence, Keoghan found that it only worsened the situation, leading to more allegations of being a "deadbeat dad." "It makes me furious," he stated, expressing his outrage at the audacity of those who hide behind online anonymity to attack his character.

On a positive note, even after his split from Kierans in 2023—formalized in January 2024—Keoghan praised her parenting skills. "She’s done a great job and she’s an incredible mother," he said during a GQ interview.

New Relationship and Commitment to Fatherhood

In early 2024, Keoghan began dating actress Sabrina Carpenter, who he describes as "incredibly blessed" and a strong, independent woman. Their relationship, which he confirmed during his podcast interview, seems to be flourishing despite the challenges he faces as a public figure and a parent.

As Keoghan continues to navigate his career while striving to protect his family's privacy, he remains focused on being the best father he can be, determined to rise above the negativity.