Barry Keoghan Denies Cheating on Sabrina Carpenter, Urges Fans to “Stop Assuming” Amid Ongoing Online Abuse
Photo Credit: Friends Keep Secrets / YouTube
by Chris Tremblay May 1
5 MIN READ
Barry Keoghan has denied claims that he cheated on singer Sabrina Carpenter, telling listeners of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast that the cheating “narrative” around their breakup is “not true” and that he never confirmed it. Appearing on the show hosted by Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky, and Kristin Batalucco, Keoghan said he now feels in a “safe space” to speak about the speculation that has followed him since the end of the relationship.
The Irish actor, known for roles in Saltburn and other high‑profile films, said he stepped back from Instagram, other social media, public events, and much of his social life as rumors intensified. He characterized the online discussion as a “narrative” that circulated widely without being explicitly addressed by him, saying he “just disappeared” instead of engaging with the allegations at the time.
When Lil Dicky asked directly on the podcast if the narrative in question was that he had cheated on Carpenter, Keoghan acknowledged that this was the accusation he had faced, responding that people were saying “yeah, that I cheated.” He then denied the allegations, emphasizing that the version of events circulating on social media did not reflect what actually happened between him and Carpenter.
Keoghan framed his comments as an attempt to push back against what he described as a “false” storyline rather than an effort to win over critics or seek sympathy. He stressed that he is “not asking for people to become my fan” but wants online audiences to reconsider how quickly they adopt and repeat unverified claims about public figures’ private lives.
In one of the most widely circulated lines from the interview, Keoghan addressed fans and online commentators directly, saying, “I’m asking for people to stop assuming and also stop jumping on this narrative and attacking me and dragging me down in any way you can.” He added that he was “not saying this for pity,” questioning why it has become acceptable in online spaces to “hop on and beat someone up” in the wake of personal rumors.
Keoghan connected the hostility he experienced to broader dynamics of social media, where speculation and commentary can escalate quickly and spread globally. He noted that having a relationship in the public eye means personal matters are “amplified,” even when those directly involved have chosen not to explain the circumstances of a breakup.
The actor said that part of his reluctance to speak earlier stemmed from a desire not to intensify scrutiny of anyone else, even as unverified stories about him circulated widely. He explained that he “didn’t want to come forward and put that girl under,” referring to a woman he says posted a video that helped fuel cheating accusations but later apologized and admitted that her claims were fabricated.
According to Keoghan, the apology video acknowledging that the earlier allegations were untrue received far less attention than the original post, something he presented as an example of how damaging narratives can outpace later corrections online. He said he remains “aware of all of it” but continues to avoid amplifying individual creators by naming them directly.
Keoghan and Carpenter were first publicly linked in 2024, with their relationship drawing attention from fans of both the actor and the singer as they were photographed together and appeared to support each other’s work. Carpenter, who has a broad fan base that includes many LGBTQ+ listeners, cast Keoghan in her “Please, Please, Please” music video, a collaboration that further elevated their status as a celebrity couple.
The couple’s split was confirmed in December 2024 after nearly a year of dating, though neither party publicly outlined specific reasons for the breakup. Some reporting at the time cited unnamed sources suggesting demanding schedules and career priorities as factors, but those accounts have not been directly confirmed by Keoghan or Carpenter.
After the breakup, speculation circulated on platforms such as TikTok about the possibility that Keoghan had been unfaithful, with some fans linking the actor to influencer Breckie Hill despite her public denial that she had ever met him. Hill released a video rejecting the rumor and stating that she had been in the hospital after a skiing accident, while also addressing the false claims that she was involved in the couple’s split.
In his recent interview, Keoghan did not name Hill but referenced a woman who, he said, had made an initial video contributing to the cheating narrative and later posted an apology clarifying that her claims were untrue. He emphasized that he chose not to highlight her identity or content because he did not want to “pile onto the situation,” even as rumors continued to circulate about him.
Keoghan described a period of withdrawal from public life following the breakup and the subsequent wave of online accusations, saying he left Instagram, stopped going to events, and limited his social interactions. He portrayed these steps as coping mechanisms in response to intense scrutiny and harassment rather than a strategy to fuel mystery or speculation around the breakup.
In a previous written statement about online abuse linked to the split, Keoghan said he and his family had received messages containing “absolute lies” and “disgusting commentary” about his appearance, character, and upbringing, including references to his childhood and his late mother. He characterized some of the reaction as “inhumane” and confirmed that the volume and intensity of messages contributed to his decision to deactivate social media accounts.
On Friends Keep Secrets, Keoghan reiterated that he had been “avoiding stuff” and that the attention was “new” and difficult to navigate, noting that he had not previously experienced that level of personal scrutiny. He suggested that staying offline and away from high‑profile events helped him create distance from the narrative he believes misrepresented his behavior during and after the relationship.
Coverage of Keoghan’s comments has sparked renewed discussion about the impact of internet rumor cycles on public figures, particularly when relationships, breakups, and alleged misconduct become highly visible topics of conversation. Commentators have noted that while social media can provide visibility and connection for fans, it can also enable targeted harassment of artists, actors, and their families when narratives—true or false—gain traction.
The Keoghan‑Carpenter situation has unfolded in a broader entertainment landscape where many fans, including LGBTQ+ communities who often form dedicated followings around pop artists, feel invested in the stories and wellbeing of public figures they support. Advocates for healthier fandom spaces have called for more careful consideration of how quickly people share unverified claims, particularly when those narratives can affect mental health and safety for everyone involved, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
To date, Carpenter has not publicly commented in detail on Keoghan’s latest remarks about the cheating allegations or on his description of the online abuse that followed their breakup. Reports continue to describe both entertainers as focused on their careers while maintaining privacy about the specific circumstances that led to the end of their relationship.
Keoghan’s request to “stop assuming” reflects a broader appeal for restraint in online discourse, as he underscores the human impact of narratives that outgrow their factual basis. His comments add to ongoing conversations about how audiences, including queer and trans fans who frequently champion artists like Carpenter, can support public figures without contributing to harmful rumor cycles or harassment.
When Lil Dicky asked directly on the podcast if the narrative in question was that he had cheated on Carpenter, Keoghan acknowledged that this was the accusation he had faced, responding that people were saying “yeah, that I cheated.” He then denied the allegations, emphasizing that the version of events circulating on social media did not reflect what actually happened between him and Carpenter.
Keoghan framed his comments as an attempt to push back against what he described as a “false” storyline rather than an effort to win over critics or seek sympathy. He stressed that he is “not asking for people to become my fan” but wants online audiences to reconsider how quickly they adopt and repeat unverified claims about public figures’ private lives.
“I’m asking for people to stop assuming”
In one of the most widely circulated lines from the interview, Keoghan addressed fans and online commentators directly, saying, “I’m asking for people to stop assuming and also stop jumping on this narrative and attacking me and dragging me down in any way you can.” He added that he was “not saying this for pity,” questioning why it has become acceptable in online spaces to “hop on and beat someone up” in the wake of personal rumors.
Keoghan connected the hostility he experienced to broader dynamics of social media, where speculation and commentary can escalate quickly and spread globally. He noted that having a relationship in the public eye means personal matters are “amplified,” even when those directly involved have chosen not to explain the circumstances of a breakup.
The actor said that part of his reluctance to speak earlier stemmed from a desire not to intensify scrutiny of anyone else, even as unverified stories about him circulated widely. He explained that he “didn’t want to come forward and put that girl under,” referring to a woman he says posted a video that helped fuel cheating accusations but later apologized and admitted that her claims were fabricated.
According to Keoghan, the apology video acknowledging that the earlier allegations were untrue received far less attention than the original post, something he presented as an example of how damaging narratives can outpace later corrections online. He said he remains “aware of all of it” but continues to avoid amplifying individual creators by naming them directly.
Timeline of the relationship and breakup
Keoghan and Carpenter were first publicly linked in 2024, with their relationship drawing attention from fans of both the actor and the singer as they were photographed together and appeared to support each other’s work. Carpenter, who has a broad fan base that includes many LGBTQ+ listeners, cast Keoghan in her “Please, Please, Please” music video, a collaboration that further elevated their status as a celebrity couple.
The couple’s split was confirmed in December 2024 after nearly a year of dating, though neither party publicly outlined specific reasons for the breakup. Some reporting at the time cited unnamed sources suggesting demanding schedules and career priorities as factors, but those accounts have not been directly confirmed by Keoghan or Carpenter.
After the breakup, speculation circulated on platforms such as TikTok about the possibility that Keoghan had been unfaithful, with some fans linking the actor to influencer Breckie Hill despite her public denial that she had ever met him. Hill released a video rejecting the rumor and stating that she had been in the hospital after a skiing accident, while also addressing the false claims that she was involved in the couple’s split.
In his recent interview, Keoghan did not name Hill but referenced a woman who, he said, had made an initial video contributing to the cheating narrative and later posted an apology clarifying that her claims were untrue. He emphasized that he chose not to highlight her identity or content because he did not want to “pile onto the situation,” even as rumors continued to circulate about him.
Stepping back from social media and public life
Keoghan described a period of withdrawal from public life following the breakup and the subsequent wave of online accusations, saying he left Instagram, stopped going to events, and limited his social interactions. He portrayed these steps as coping mechanisms in response to intense scrutiny and harassment rather than a strategy to fuel mystery or speculation around the breakup.
In a previous written statement about online abuse linked to the split, Keoghan said he and his family had received messages containing “absolute lies” and “disgusting commentary” about his appearance, character, and upbringing, including references to his childhood and his late mother. He characterized some of the reaction as “inhumane” and confirmed that the volume and intensity of messages contributed to his decision to deactivate social media accounts.
On Friends Keep Secrets, Keoghan reiterated that he had been “avoiding stuff” and that the attention was “new” and difficult to navigate, noting that he had not previously experienced that level of personal scrutiny. He suggested that staying offline and away from high‑profile events helped him create distance from the narrative he believes misrepresented his behavior during and after the relationship.
Public reaction, privacy, and accountability online
Coverage of Keoghan’s comments has sparked renewed discussion about the impact of internet rumor cycles on public figures, particularly when relationships, breakups, and alleged misconduct become highly visible topics of conversation. Commentators have noted that while social media can provide visibility and connection for fans, it can also enable targeted harassment of artists, actors, and their families when narratives—true or false—gain traction.
The Keoghan‑Carpenter situation has unfolded in a broader entertainment landscape where many fans, including LGBTQ+ communities who often form dedicated followings around pop artists, feel invested in the stories and wellbeing of public figures they support. Advocates for healthier fandom spaces have called for more careful consideration of how quickly people share unverified claims, particularly when those narratives can affect mental health and safety for everyone involved, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
To date, Carpenter has not publicly commented in detail on Keoghan’s latest remarks about the cheating allegations or on his description of the online abuse that followed their breakup. Reports continue to describe both entertainers as focused on their careers while maintaining privacy about the specific circumstances that led to the end of their relationship.
Keoghan’s request to “stop assuming” reflects a broader appeal for restraint in online discourse, as he underscores the human impact of narratives that outgrow their factual basis. His comments add to ongoing conversations about how audiences, including queer and trans fans who frequently champion artists like Carpenter, can support public figures without contributing to harmful rumor cycles or harassment.
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