Jack Keating has revealed he was bullied in school over his famous parents.
The 24-year-old is the son of Boyzone star Ronan Keating and model Yvonne Connolly – who were married for 14 years before splitting in 2010.
In a new interview with Goss.ie, the Love Island 2022 star admitted he was an “easy target” in school, and said the bullying gave him “thick skin”.
When asked if he was ever teased over his famous family, Jack said: “Ah yeah, of course. In primary and secondary school, people can just be little s**ts.”
“I think everyone deals with bullying, and you’re an easy target at that age as well. So yeah, I did deal with a bit of bullying, but I feel like it’s given me a thick skin and has made me the person I am today.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m grateful for it, but you also don’t want to go through life with everyone saying ‘Yes, yes, yes’ all the time. You want to have that character building, which I’m kind of happy I had as it’s made me who I am today.”
Speaking about growing up in the public eye, the father-of-one said: “I think it did take a while for me to realise [that my parents are famous]. I suppose because I was born into it, I didn’t really know any different. But when I was about 13/14, I think I finally started to understand the reality of it.”
“When you’re a kid, you don’t really know your arse from your elbow. It’s only when you get older, you start to realise both the positive and negative sides to it.
“Overall, it’s been amazing. The opportunities that have come with it, I’ve got to do so many amazing things and meet so many amazing people. Myself and all of my siblings are so grateful for all the opportunities we’ve had.”
Jack is Goss.ie‘s latest Spotlight On cover star and in our exclusive interview, he opens up about how his life has changed since becoming a father and gets candid about co-parenting with his daughter’s mother.
He also speaks about his brief time on the biggest dating show in the world, and reveals his current relationship status.
Check out the full exclusive here.
