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Sabrina Carpenter’s fans are abuzz with speculation following the announcement of her upcoming single, ‘Manchild’—many believe it could be a pointed message to her ex-boyfriend, Barry Keoghan.
Earlier this week, the pop singer hinted at the new release by sharing a teaser video on social media. The clip, shot in grainy, VHS-style footage, showed her attempting to hitchhike. Fans also noticed a series of cryptic billboards along Interstate 69, one of which read “Hey men!” while another stated: “I swear they choose me, I’m not choosing them.”
Carpenter, who topped charts in summer 2024 with hits like ‘Espresso’ and ‘Please, Please, Please’, later confirmed the rumours by unveiling the title of her next single. In an Instagram post, she revealed that the song, titled ‘Manchild’, would drop the following day. Alongside the album artwork, she included the caption: “This one’s about you!!” and announced a 7-inch vinyl edition was available for pre-order. A teaser for the vinyl featured the phrase: “Inside of your head when you’ve just won an argument with a man.”
Following this, fans began to draw their own conclusions about the song’s possible target. Some users on X speculated that the track was taking aim at Keoghan, whom Carpenter was rumoured to have split from in December 2024. One fan commented that Carpenter wasn’t holding back and said that if the song was as sharp as the teaser caption, it would be a “bold, catchy callout”. Another wrote that Keoghan was “over”, while others suggested she was about to “cook” him in the lyrics. One user claimed Carpenter had created the track for all the women who had “had enough”.
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Carpenter and Keoghan were first rumoured to be dating in September 2023, before making their relationship public at a Grammys after-party in February the following year. They also appeared together at the 2024 MET Gala, and Carpenter referenced his viral ‘Saltburn’ scene during her Coachella performance the same year. Keoghan even featured in the music video for ‘Please, Please, Please’.
After reports of their split in late 2024, Keoghan faced intense online backlash, particularly amid cheating rumours. He explained that although he usually refrained from reacting, the situation had escalated to the point where he felt compelled to speak up. He said his name had been dragged online with lies and hateful comments about his appearance, personality, and parenting, prompting him to deactivate his account.
Keoghan is currently preparing to play Ringo Starr in an upcoming four-part biopic film series on ‘The Beatles’, where he will star alongside Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn.
What’s Next for Sabrina Carpenter: Tour, Film Rumours, and a Fortnite Comeback
Meanwhile, Carpenter is taking a short break from her ‘Short N’ Sweet’ world tour, having wrapped up her US dates and preparing for the European leg this summer. Her schedule includes a headline slot at BST Hyde Park, where she will perform alongside Clairo, Beabadoobee, and Olivia Dean.
She has also been rumoured to be in the running for a role in ‘Mamma Mia 3’, and it was recently confirmed that she will make a return to Fortnite for an “epic dance party”.
