So, it finally happened. After a year of being the internet’s favorite "unexpected" power couple, Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan officially called it quits at the tail end of 2024. Most of us saw the writing on the wall, honestly. Between the cryptic lyrics and the "on-again, off-again" reports that plagued their final months, the news felt more like a confirmation of what we already suspected rather than a total shock.
Still, the fallout has been messy.
The Sabrina Carpenter Breakup: Why the "Espresso" Star is Flying Solo
The "official" word from sources close to the pair—usually code for a publicist's carefully drafted text—is that they were both just too busy. You've heard it a thousand times before. He’s an Oscar nominee with a filming schedule that spans continents; she’s a pop titan currently ruling the charts and the touring circuit. According to reports from People, they decided to "take a break" to focus on their respective careers.
But let’s be real. "Taking a break" in Hollywood usually just means a breakup with a softer landing.
By the time January 2026 rolled around, Sabrina was already leaning into her "single era" with a level of shade that only a Disney alum-turned-pop-star can truly master. She kicked off the new year by reposting TikToks about being relieved she didn’t get back with her ex in 2025. Set to her own track "Manchild," the message wasn't exactly subtle. If you're looking for a reconciliation, don't hold your breath.
Was it more than just "busy schedules"?
While the career-focused narrative is the safest for their PR teams, the internet has other theories. Rumors about Barry’s "partying habits" began to surface as early as August 2024. Then there were the blind items. A particularly viral post on DeuxMoi suggested that the split happened quite suddenly before Sabrina’s final L.A. shows after she allegedly found out about him "chatting" with an influencer.
Barry, for his part, hasn't had the easiest time with the aftermath. The Irish actor actually deactivated his Instagram account, citing "absolute lies" and "disgusting commentary" about his character and his parenting. It’s a reminder that while we’re all dissecting lyrics for "Easter eggs," these are real people dealing with a very public collapse of a relationship.
A timeline of a very public romance
It’s easy to forget how fast this moved. They met at a Givenchy show in Paris back in September 2023. By December, they were grabbling dinner in L.A., and by the 2024 Met Gala, they were basically the main event.
Who could forget Barry starring as the "bad boy" in her "Please Please Please" music video? It felt like a fever dream. Sabrina begging him not to embarrass her while he quite literally played a prisoner. Looking back, those lyrics—“I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherf**cker”—feel less like a playful jab and more like a genuine plea.
What this means for Sabrina's music
If there is one thing Sabrina Carpenter knows how to do, it’s turn a heartbreak into a massive hit. We saw it with the whole Joshua Bassett and Olivia Rodrigo drama that fueled "Emails I Can't Send." We’re seeing it again now.
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Her newest material, specifically tracks like "Manchild" and the imagery in her recent music videos, suggests she isn't interested in playing the "sad ex." Instead, she's leaning into a biting, satirical take on the men she’s dated. She’s 26, she’s at the absolute peak of her powers, and she seems perfectly content being single. In a March 2025 interview with Vogue, she admitted that while she’s had her heart broken before, she’s learning to navigate the "grieving-someone-that’s-alive" feeling with a bit more grace—or at least better songwriting.
The current status in 2026
As of January 2026, Sabrina is officially single. There have been whispers of her being seen with a "handsome mystery man" at Soho Farmhouse and during outings in Italy, but nothing has been confirmed. For now, it seems she’s more focused on her Short n' Sweet legacy and the follow-up era than she is on settling down.
Barry is also laying low on the romance front, focusing on his son, Brando, and his upcoming film projects. He’s been vocal about his sobriety journey and his desire to stay away from the social media circus that defined his time with Sabrina.
To keep up with what’s next for the "Taste" singer, pay attention to her setlists. Sabrina famously uses her "Nonsense" outros and live ad-libs to drop hints about her personal life. If she’s seeing someone new, or if the beef with Barry has cooled off, you’ll hear it there first. For those looking to channel their inner Sabrina after a breakup, the takeaway is simple: write the song, buy the outfit, and never let them see you sweat.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Verify the Source: When you see "breakup reasons" on TikTok, check if they originate from a confirmed source like People or a verified interview. Most "cheating" rumors regarding Barry remain unconfirmed speculation.
- Listen to the Lyrics: If you want the real story, look at the credits. Sabrina has a history of referencing specific dates and locations (like the "blue jacket" in "Bed Chem") that map out her relationships.
- Respect Privacy: As Barry noted before deactivating his socials, online harassment has real-world consequences for families and children. Enjoy the music, but leave the private lives to the people living them.