AceShowbiz - Barry Keoghan, known for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, recently addressed his withdrawal from the public eye following intense rumors and backlash related to his past relationship with singer Sabrina Carpenter. Nearly two years after their breakup, which was clouded by cheating allegations, Keoghan spoke candidly about why he "disappeared" from social media and public events.

During an April 28 episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, Keoghan revealed, "I have been avoiding stuff. I came off Instagram and social profiles. I stopped going to events. I stopped socializing." Although the actor, who shares a 3-year-old son with ex Alyson Sandro, did not explicitly name Carpenter, he referenced an old "narrative" surrounding him, hinting at the fallout after their December 2024 breakup.

"A narrative that's not true that I've never said anything about it," he explained. "I just disappeared." Keoghan acknowledged how speculation often escalates around celebrity relationships, emphasizing the unfair treatment he experienced after their year-long romance ended.

"I'm not asking people to become my fan or like me," he added. "But I'm asking people to stop assuming and to stop jumping on this narrative and attacking me and dragging me down in any way. Just absolutely disgusting, vile."

Although he alluded to his time with Carpenter, which began in late 2023, Keoghan made clear that he avoids discussing others publicly. "Even if it is those people that I was in a relationship with, it's not my place or their place to speak on my or their behalf," he said. "It's unfair to them. They're also in the relationship. It's both of us out there. I'm very aware of that."

Meanwhile, Carpenter has also refrained from publicly addressing their relationship or breakup beyond her music. When asked by CBS Mornings about the subjects of her songs, the singer said, "I just wouldn't say," adding that for fans, "It's more fun to picture the person in their head than the person I picture in my head."

Though no longer a couple, there was a time when their relationship was publicly celebrated. Here is a timeline of their romance:

February 2024: Romance Confirmed
After rumors emerged in December 2023, Keoghan and Carpenter intensified dating speculation when spotted together on a date night in Los Angeles less than two months later.

February 2024: Public Instagram Interaction
The Saltburn star made their relationship Instagram official by commenting on a video of Carpenter performing a duet with Taylor Swift in Sydney, Australia. Carpenter was opening for Swift on her Eras Tour but missed her usual set that day due to bad weather. Keoghan later met up with her during the tour.

March 2024: Post-Oscars Appearance
The pair attended Vanity Fair's 2024 Oscars after-party together, though they did not walk the red carpet as a couple.

May 2024: Met Gala Red Carpet
Their romance was made red carpet official at the 2024 Met Gala, drawing media attention to their high-profile relationship.

May 2024: Birthday Celebration
Carpenter celebrated her 25th birthday surrounded by Keoghan, friends, and even a Leonardo DiCaprio meme, highlighting their close connection at the time.

June 2024: Music Video Collaboration
The couple solidified their bond publicly through Carpenter's music video for "Please, Please, Please," featuring Keoghan. The singer later praised him in an August 2024 Variety interview, saying, "I don't want to sound biased, but I think he's one of the best actors of this generation. So getting to see him on the screen with my song as the soundtrack made the video better and all the more special."

December 2024: Breakup Reported
After a year together, multiple outlets reported that Carpenter and Keoghan ended their relationship. In a June interview published six months later, Carpenter subtly acknowledged the split, saying, "Am I doing the single thing right now? I'm doing the 25-year-old thing right now, whatever that means."

Despite the end of their relationship, Keoghan's recent comments shed light on the toll the breakup and surrounding rumors took on his mental health and public presence. His choice to step back from social media and social events was a way to protect himself from the "disgusting" attacks he experienced.

Both stars have since focused on their careers and personal lives without publicly revisiting their romance. While Keoghan emphasized the importance of respecting privacy in relationships, Carpenter's music continues to hint at personal experiences without direct reference.