Barry Keoghan Addresses ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Accusations and Personal Struggles

Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his critically acclaimed roles in films like *The Banshees of Inisherin* and *Saltburn*, has recently spoken out against accusations labeling him as a “deadbeat dad.” These allegations surfaced on social media, particularly after his ex-girlfriend Alyson Sandro unintentionally sparked an online uproar by engaging with comments that suggested she was managing their two-year-old son, Brando, alone.

Keoghan, who has been open about his difficult childhood, including being in foster care from the age of five due to his mother’s struggles with heroin addiction, explained that his own upbringing without a father figure has influenced his parenting. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he mentioned that he doesn’t have a conventional father-son relationship, which was misinterpreted by many as him being an absent father.

On *The Louis Theroux Podcast*, Keoghan addressed these accusations directly, expressing his frustration and sadness over the false narrative. He emphasized that he is not an absent father and that the online commentary has been particularly hurtful. Keoghan also discussed his decision to limit his social media posts about his son to protect him from the negative attention.

Aside from these personal challenges, Keoghan’s career continues to flourish. He recently starred in Emerald Fennell‘s psychological thriller *Saltburn*, for which he received critical acclaim and nominations for several awards, including a Golden Globe. He has also been cast in upcoming projects such as filmmaker Andrea Arnold‘s *Bird* and the *Peaky Blinders* movie.

In March 2024, Keoghan was named as the brand ambassador for the British luxury fashion house Burberry, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment and fashion industries.