The “Outer Banks” star Rudy Pankow and his girlfriend confront social media speculation and defend their relationship amidst public scrutiny.

Rudy Pankow

June 10, 2025: Rudy Pankow is an American film and television actor, widely recognized for his breakout role as JJ Maybank on the hit Netflix teen drama series Outer Banks.

Rudy Pankow Girlfriend

Since their relationship became public in 2021, “Outer Banks” actor Rudy Pankow and his girlfriend, Elaine Siemek, have faced significant online attention, including rumors and criticism.

Online Harassment and Public Defense

Elaine Siemek, a film photographer who met Pankow on the set of “Outer Banks,” has been subjected to online harassment from some fans. In response, Pankow publicly defended her, stating, “I’m here to call out the disrespect and harassment someone who I love dearly is getting on a daily basis.” He emphasized that accusations against her were unfounded and urged fans to be respectful .

Addressing Cheating Rumors

In October 2022, Siemek addressed rumors of infidelity after a photo circulated online, allegedly showing her with another man. She refuted the claims, explaining that she and Pankow were traveling from Barbados to Italy at the time the photo was taken. She described the rumors as “exhausting and embarrassing” and urged people to stop spreading false narratives .

Past Relationship Speculations

Further speculation arose when Pankow’s ex-girlfriend, Teodora “Teo” Marcella, posted a TikTok video in November 2024, hinting at alleged cheating during their past relationship. In the video, Marcella made a playful slip, saying, “We’re gonna be using the Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in the shade he cheated. I mean, lip cheat.” Fans interpreted this as a reference to Pankow, reigniting discussions about his past relationships .

Navigating Public Scrutiny

Despite the challenges, Pankow and Siemek have continued their relationship, choosing to keep much of their personal life private. Pankow has expressed his desire to protect their relationship from public scrutiny, stating, “I know I might not actively show it on social platforms just how happy we are together, but this is my personal decision to keep most of those moments for myself” .

As public figures, Pankow and Siemek’s relationship remains under the spotlight, but they continue to address rumors and maintain their commitment to each other amidst the challenges of fame and online speculation.