Celebrity
Barry Keoghan Classism Debate: Actor Slams Online Breakup Rumors
Earlier this week, Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan finally spoke out about the emotional toll of dealing with social media misinformation. Specifically, he addressed the viral claims that he had cheated on his former partner, Sabrina Carpenter.
Taylor Hill / Getty Images
The pair first sparked romance rumors in December 2023 before making their high-profile debut at a Grammys afterparty in February 2024. By June, Sabrina had fully leaned into the relationship, casting Barry as her leading man in the cinematic music video for her hit single, “Please Please Please.”
© 2024 Island Records / Via youtube.com
Fans were initially obsessed with how Sabrina integrated their real-life romance into her art, especially with pointed lyrics like: “I beg you don’t embarrass me, motherfucker,” and “If you don’t wanna cry to my music, don’t make me hate you prolifically.” However, those lines took on a darker tone when the couple ended their relationship just six months later.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
Following the breakup, the internet was flooded with speculation that Barry had been unfaithful with influencer Breckie Hill. While Breckie eventually denied these rumors, a source close to the actor also told People magazine: “He was always very faithful to her from the start. There was no third party involved in their break or at any other point in their relationship. Reports indicating otherwise are entirely fabricated.”
Dave Benett / Getty Images
Despite these denials, Barry was met with a wave of harassment across social platforms. The toxicity escalated to the point where he deleted his Instagram account after speaking out against the “hate” he was receiving. Beyond the cheating rumors, he faced baseless “deadbeat dad” labels regarding his young son and was frequently targeted with cruel comments about his physical appearance.
Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images
Recently, Barry opened up further about how this digital vitriol forced him into isolation. Speaking on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, the 33-year-old actor admitted: “I came off Instagram and social profiles. I’ve stopped going to events. I’ve stopped, you know, just, socializing. It’s because, you know, there was a narrative out there that was never really sort of even spoken on, a narrative that’s not true, and I never confirmed or said anything about it. And, you know, I just disappeared.”
Friends Keep Secrets / Via youtube.com
“I’m not asking for people to become my fan and like me, because that’s not normal either,” Barry continued. “But 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, involving my parents who are no longer with me…just absolutely disgusting and vile. There’s videos on TikTok literally going: ‘I hate him.'”
Friends Keep Secrets / Via youtube.com
Barry’s vulnerability has resonated with many fans who argue that the intensity of the hate he receives is deeply rooted in classism. One viral Reddit thread noted: “There’s such an undertone of classism in all of it, I feel like. Like everything that is ‘suspect’ about him is what’s working class. It’s so disappointing to see someone with such a rough start in life [not go] through [the] UK’s posh ass system of drama schools and actually make a career for himself, only for people to salivate at the idea of his downfall.”
Barry Keoghan says he left social media and stopped going to events because of false narrative of him cheating on Sabrina Carpenter
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Friends Keep Secrets / Via youtube.com
It is worth remembering that Barry has been incredibly transparent about his difficult upbringing in Summerhill, one of Dublin’s most disadvantaged areas. His mother tragically passed away from a heroin overdose when he was only 12. Barry has also shared that his father passed away under similar circumstances involving addiction.
Dominique Charriau / Getty Images
Because of these tragedies, Barry and his brother, Eric, entered the foster care system at age five. They spent four years rotating through 13 different foster homes, only seeing their mother under supervision. At age nine, his grandmother and aunt gained custody, bringing the boys into a crowded two-bedroom home where his sister, Gemma, quit her job to help raise them.
Picture Alliance / Getty Images
Last year, the Saltburn star also revealed his own past struggles with substance abuse, telling Hollywood Authentic that his driver, Niall, eventually helped him check into rehab after becoming worried about his lifestyle and well-being.
Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images
The discussion regarding classism has continued to gain traction online. One commenter added: “People’s vitriol towards him is crazy. Especially about his looks. I think people forget how much of a disadvantaged background this guy comes from. He comes from one of the poorest areas in Dublin and lived in foster care. He is an example of a non nepo baby with real talent and he’s treated like he doesn’t deserve to exist by some people, because he doesn’t look Hollywood enough?”
Dave Benett / Getty Images
“I’ll always have a soft spot for him. He was a foster kid whose mum had a heroin addiction and passed when he was 12. Everyone complains about nepo babies and rich kids, but when a working-class kid actually breaks through, everyone treats him like shit cause he isn’t ‘hot,’” another user echoed.
Tristan Fewings / Getty Images
What is your take on the public’s treatment of Barry Keoghan? Do you think there’s a double standard at play? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Met Gala is officially upon us yet again, bringing high fashion and sports together in a major way. This year’s theme is Costume Art, and the official dress code is Fashion Is Art. While actors, musicians, and even politicians step out for arguably the biggest night in fashion, sports stars also show up and show out. In fact, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs is the legendary Venus Williams. Let’s take a look at the athletes who graced the red carpet this year!
Venus Williams
John Shearer / WireImage via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
And here’s Naomi with her second look that she revealed as she ascended the steps!
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jimmy Butler
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Alysa Liu
Theo Wargo / FilmMagic
Angel Reese
Matt Crossick/Via Alamy
Serena Williams
Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
Dwyane Wade
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Wilson
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Eileen Gu
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26 / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
A’ja Wilson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Justin Jefferson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Joe Burrow
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Keep an eye out, as we’ll keep updating with more photos throughout the night at the gala. Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.
Paul Anthony Kelly recently discovered a universal truth the hard way:
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
People do not mess around when it comes to Beyoncé on Beyoncé’s internet.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
When Paul was questioned on the Met Gala red carpet regarding his favorite Beyoncé track, the Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette star essentially shrugged off the entire inquiry.
Rob Kim / Getty Images
“I don’t know,” he remarked while shaking his head. “I’m a metal head.”
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
His reaction has been under the social media microscope ever since. A segment of the internet is labeling his tone as dismissive:
“Like immediately and it’s not even the answer. It’s the excessive shoulder shrugs and eye rolls. Like okay miss thing we get it”
@moonniyiasvt/ Not A Real Company Productions / Via x.com
“Sometimes it’s just the tone. He looked like he had an attitude. ‘I’m sorry I’m not really an avid consumer of her music, but she seem so sweet’ would have been a good answer instead of that superiority complex he showed by saying he listens to heavy metal”
@AriesGroove81 / Via x.com
“I’m a metal head too and rarely (if ever) listen to Beyonce but I still have a favourite song of hers. It’s not that deep.”
@ultimateakasha / Via x.com
“Oh….crush cancelled.”
@cinnamonqueennn / Via x.com
“I mean, I agree with the sentiment, but the question was asked because Beyoncé is one of the heads of the gala”
@MercyBuzzard13 / Via x.com
“well he might like act iii then”
lovelanguagc / Via x.com
“Its true but at the same time im sure he could’ve named a song lmao Everybody knows atleast one Taylor or Beyonce song his idk and shrug reaction was kinda disrespectful”
@bb52521601 / Via x.com
“Arrogant, basic white guy attitude. It’s one thing not to know her songs which is fine but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
@AthenaK11374912 / Via x.com
Meanwhile, others argue that not having a go-to Beyoncé anthem isn’t exactly a felony:
“Yess let’s normalize people having their own music taste, and not trying to ‘fit in’ In a world where everyone wants to fit in.”
@natthewarrior/ / Via x.com
“Not everyone listens to Beyonce, the hive needs to grow up.”
@Lurker_4Lyfe / Via x.com
“They’re about to drag this man for 40 days and 40 nights aren’t they”
@CandidlyCandy_ / Via x.com
“We got to stop pretending certain artists are holy gods and have to be loved and listened to by everyone! He was completely unproblematic and professional and just answered the question honestly! Get off his ass oh my goodness”
@jetteecarlottaa / Via x.com
“I don’t know who he is, but he is literally just stating he has a preference for heavier music. Why do people always have to start drama over nothing?!”
@/jadednerdyspice / Via x.com
“He wasn’t disrespectful, just real. Beyonce is iconic but not everyone’s cup of tea!.”
@chinenye_v32170 / Via x.com
Looking at one side of the coin, Beyoncé actually served as a co-chair for the Met Gala this year. Because of that, several attendees were quizzed on their favorite Bey hits, including Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Chase Infiniti. In context, the question was totally relevant, and Paul’s body language could be seen as brushing off her artistic impact.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
On the flip side, the world of music is vast and exists far beyond the pop charts. Paul has every right to stay loyal to the genres that move him. Art is subjective by nature, after all.
Thestewartofny / Getty Images
I have a feeling the real JFK Jr. would have navigated that question with a much more diplomatic response.
Bettmann / Getty Images
What is your take on the viral drama surrounding Paul Anthony Kelly and the Beyhive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Country music is super IN right now.
Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Stagecoach
And one woman in particular has been front and center…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
ELLA LANGLEY.
Michael Buckner / Penske Media via Getty Images
She recently performed at Stagecoach, and is most known for her hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”
John Shearer / Getty Images for Stagecoach
It’s probably the one song that most men are currently in love with right now.
@alexsoto040 / tiktok.com
Anyway, most women have noticed how the men in their lives can’t get enough of her:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
These men even have a name for themselves: “ELLA FELLAS”:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
And they shout it loud and proud!!!
@camj859 / tiktok.com
So, it’s no surprise TikToker @cassgracef is currently going viral for addressing what she is calling the “Ella Langley Effect.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
In her TikTok that has over a million views, she says, “No one has warned me about this Ella Langley effect and what it is doing to men. All of this happened in literally one week, and it’s insane. So the other day, I was home, and my dad was showering, and guess what he was listening to at full volume? Ella Langley, full volume to the top. I kid you not. I could hear it in my bedroom. It was so freaking loud. And I’m just like, first of all, what is he doing listening to Ella Langley, like, that’s a little crazy that he even knows who she is.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I get in the car with my fiancé, maybe the next day, honestly, maybe even the same day, and he goes, ‘Oh, let me show you this song.’ And what is it? ‘Be Her.’ Of course it is, because that’s what my dad was just listening to in the shower. I’m like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Then he goes, ‘Yeah, she’s like, the HOT—,'” @cassgracef shares before she admits she stopped him. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s back that up. Let’s back that up. I am still here. I am still present. I do still exist. So like, back that up, rescind that.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Continuing, she says, “So we talked about that, and then he was like, yeah, she’s so pretty and gorgeous. And I said, correct, I agree. Maybe not the hottest person you ever seen in your life, because [ME], but she is beautiful and gorgeous. I agree. I concur.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m in the car with my brother, taking him somewhere, I don’t remember where, and he’s like, ‘Hey, can you play this?’ You want me to play ‘Be Her,’ like everyone else wants? Everyone? Yeah, cool, cool. What does he say? ‘Yeah, she’s, like, the hottest.’ I’m like, guys. I get it. She’s beautiful. She’s gorgeous. But all of you saying this and listening to her at the same time, kind of crazy,” she adds.
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m texting in one of my group chats, and one of the guys replies, saying, ‘Y’all gotta listen to this song.’ You’re kidding. You’re literally kidding. What? What does it proceed to be after that? With all the boys? She’s so hot. She’s so hot. Guys, you know who else is hot? Harry Styles. Okay, I love me some Ella Langley, don’t get me wrong, but four people saying that probably literally, within a week, I’m like, what does she have on these men? What is this effect she has going on?”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, while some women would break up with their man after this kind of swooning…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Most think they JUST WANNA BE HER (it’s a reference to the ‘Be Her’ song, IYKYK).
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Oh, and lots of others would rather hear about an Ella crush vs. anything else:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, as a woman who loves country music, I get it. I really do. If you know an ELLA FELLA, let us know in the comments. You can check out Ella’s music online (and I do highly recommend “Be Her”)!
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
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