EXCLUSIVE: Huge Rising Hollywood Star 'So Tortured By Trolls Calling Him Ugly He Wears Balaclava on Park Runs to Cover Face'

Aaron Tinney Sat, May 9, 2026 at 4:22 PM UTC

0

Barry Keoghan has been hit with cruel taunts online.Mega

Barry Keoghan has been driven to conceal his face during public runs, sources told RadarOnline.com, as relentless online abuse about his appearance continues to shadow the Irish actor despite his rapid ascent in Hollywood.

Keoghan, 33, rose to global prominence following his performance in The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn and is currently filming a series of The Beatles biopics directed by Sam Mendes, in which he plays Ringo Starr.

'Cruel' Attacks on Barry Keoghan

Keoghan has concealed his face with a balaclava during public runs.Mega

The Dublin-born actor, who was previously in a high-profile relationship with Sabrina Carpenter, has faced sustained scrutiny online since they split in 2024.

Rumors alleging infidelity – which Carpenter herself dismissed – have fueled a wave of commentary Keoghan recently admitted has taken a personal toll.

A source also told us: "Barry has been deeply affected by the constant stream of criticism aimed at his looks – it's not just casual trolling, it's been persistent and often cruel.

"At times, it's left him feeling exposed in public spaces, which is why he's taken to covering his face entirely with a balaclava, even during something as simple as a run. For him, it's about creating a barrier between himself and the judgment he feels is waiting for him outside."

'I've Stopped Socializing'

The actor rose to global prominence after his performance in the films 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and 'Saltburn.'Mega

The insider added, "It speaks to how intense things have become. This is someone at the height of his career, yet he's dealing with a level of personal scrutiny that's incredibly difficult to switch off from. The balaclava isn't about attention – it's about protection, a way of reclaiming a sense of anonymity, even temporarily."

Keoghan himself has acknowledged withdrawing from public life in response to the backlash over his split from Carpenter.

"I have been avoiding stuff. I've stopped socializing," he explained. "And again, it's because there was a narrative that's not true. I never confirmed or said anything about it, and, you know, I just disappeared."

He continued: "It's that I cheated. I don't want to ever bring anyone else into it, but unfortunately, having a relationship in the public eye, we all know this, it gets put out there, and it's amplified."

Advertisement

Debunking Infidelity Rumors

Sabrina Carpenter dismissed rumors regarding infidelity following their 2024 split.Mega

Addressing the origins of the rumors, Keoghan said: "A girl made a video, and then the girl actually made (another) video and went, 'Sorry for making that up', but no one seemed to latch on to that video."

Speculation around Keoghan's alleged affair was amplified by social media accounts and gossip platforms, including claims he had been seen with another woman during his relationship with Carpenter.

Influencer Breckie Hill, who was named in some reports, denied ever meeting him.

Despite stepping away from social media, Keoghan admitted he still finds himself drawn to online commentary.

He said: "I'm not on Instagram or Twitter or any of that, but I still go on and have a little... (look.) I go on my brother's account. I can access it that way. I do go on and have a look because I'm curious, but there's a lot of hatred towards me for just looking like this. It's just crazy. There's videos on TikTok that literally go, 'I hate him.'"

Tragic Deaths in Family

The star contracted a rare flesh-eating bacteria infection in 2021.Mega

The actor also reflected on the broader personal challenges he has faced, including addiction and recovery.

He said: "I'm clean now. But my mom died at 32 from heroin, and my dad passed away. But the curiosity of still wanting to do this, for me, was absolutely ... it took me three attempts at rehab, and it was finally Malibu, The Pointe, where there was a sudden switch, and it was when I was 32, the same age my mom was. Like, 'That's it, I'm not doing it.'"

Keoghan has also spoken about a near-fatal health scare in 2021, when he contracted necrotising fasciitis after sustaining an injury.

He said, "This is a flesh-eating bacteria infection that I got and almost died. It technically did die for a few seconds."

The actor is expected to continue filming The Beatles project through 2026, alongside Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn, with the films scheduled for release in 2028.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”