Sabrina Carpenter is ending 2025 with humor, confidence, and just the right amount of shade. The pop star went viral on TikTok after sharing a post that fans believe was a cheeky message to her ex, Barry Keoghan — proving once again that laughter (and success) is the best revenge
Sabrina Carpenter has mastered the art of turning heartbreak into humor. The 26-year-old pop star, who dominated charts and headlines all year, closed out 2025 with a viral TikTok that had fans convinced she was subtly addressing her breakup with actor Barry Keoghan.
In the clip, originally shared by another creator, the on-screen text reads: “It’s been a tough year, but at least I didn’t go back to my ex.” Carpenter reposted it without comment — and that was all it took. Swiftly, her fans flooded the comments, interpreting it as a sly nod to her former relationship with the Irish actor.
The pair dated for nearly a year before splitting in December 2024. At the time, a source close to the couple told Entertainment Tonight that things “didn’t end well” and that they had decided to go their separate ways. Since then, Sabrina has remained focused on her music — and her growth.
During her Short n’ Sweet Tour, which took her around the world (including a stop in Dublin, Keoghan’s hometown), she couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab. Mid-show, she told the crowd: “Dublin, it’s so good to be here. You all look amazing. But my God, Irish boys are hard work.” The audience erupted, instantly connecting the dots.
Carpenter has never directly confirmed whether her songs or videos are inspired by her breakup, preferring to keep her art open to interpretation. Speaking on CBS Mornings in August, she explained: “I’d never say who a song is about. It’s more fun for listeners to imagine who they want it to be — not who I actually had in mind.”
This attitude reflects a mature, self-aware artist who handles public speculation with grace and humor. In an era where every post sparks endless theories, Sabrina knows how to stay in control of her narrative — playful, mysterious, and always one step ahead.
Her 2025 was one for the books. With hits like Espresso and Feather, a sold-out world tour, and her Man’s Best Friend (Bonus Track Edition) release, Carpenter cemented her place as one of pop’s brightest new icons. And while her personal life sparked headlines, she channeled it all into creativity and self-expression.
Fans hailed her TikTok as “the most relatable end-of-year statement ever,” turning the line “at least I didn’t go back to my ex” into a trending audio clip across the platform.
As 2026 begins, Sabrina Carpenter steps forward stronger, funnier, and more self-assured than ever. Her message is clear: she’s not looking back — only forward.
After all, the best kind of closure isn’t found in revenge or regret… but in success, laughter, and a hit song that everyone’s still humming.
