Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has set the internet alight with what fans are interpreting as a savage dig at her ex-boyfriend, Irish actor Barry Keoghan. The pair's whirlwind romance in 2024 captured public attention, but their split by the end of that year left followers wondering about the state of their relationship. Now, over a year later, the American singer has sparked fresh speculation with a cryptic social media post.
A Cryptic Message to Ring in the New Year
In the quiet period between Christmas and New Year, Carpenter took to TikTok, where she reposted a fan's video. The clip featured a complaint stating: "It's been a tough year, but at least I didn't get back with my ex." The singer's decision to share this message was immediately seized upon by her dedicated fanbase, who flooded the comments section to dissect its potential meaning. Many were quick to link the post directly to her past relationship with Keoghan.
This social media activity follows the release of Carpenter's chart-topping single, "Manchild," in 2025. While the singer has insisted the damning track is not about the Saltburn star, a significant portion of her listeners remain convinced it references their short-lived romance. The 26-year-old star, whose career skyrocketed with the 2024 hit "Espresso," has seen her personal life scrutinised alongside her professional success.
Navigating Fame and Controversy
Carpenter's year has not been without its controversies. The release of her seventh studio album, "Man's Best Friend," in August 2025, was marred by a backlash over its original cover artwork. The image, which showed the singer on all fours with a man pulling her hair, was criticised by fans and feminists alike as being anti-feminist.
In response to the furore, Carpenter hastily released an alternative, less provocative cover, which she jokingly referred to as "approved by God." She later addressed the controversy during an appearance on Saturday Night Live in October, offering a tongue-in-cheek explanation that the photo was a cropped version of a scene from the show's 50th anniversary special.
Despite the turbulence, Carpenter ended the year on an upbeat note on Instagram, thanking fans for a "beautiful year" and promoting a bonus edition of her latest album. She reflected: "I feel lucky to know there’s still so much good to come."
The Aftermath of a Whirlwind Romance
The singer's romance with the 33-year-old Keoghan, though brief, was a source of excitement for fans when it blossomed in 2024. Since their split, Carpenter has not been publicly linked to anyone else. Her previous relationships have included Canadian pop singer Shawn Mendes, American singer Joshua Bassett, and actor Bradley Steven Perry.
The latest social media interaction has ensured that speculation about her feelings towards her Irish ex remains a hot topic as 2026 begins. Whether a deliberate message or an innocent share, Carpenter's post has successfully kept her personal narrative—and her record-breaking music—firmly in the public eye.
