If, like us, you binged all ten episodes of Outer Banks season two as soon as it landed on Netflix, you'll be all too familiar with one of its stars, Rudy Pankow. But recently Rudy has been in the spotlight for more than just his character JJ.
On Friday Rudy made a public statement on Instagram defending his girlfriend, Elaine Siemek, after she was accused on Twitter of cultural appropriation and racism.
ICYMI, at the end of May, several tweets came to light that criticised Elaine for alleged insensitive photos and comments shared across various social media platforms.
Following the social media backlash around his girlfriend, Rudy took to socials himself to comment on the issue.
"I want to thank my amazing fans/followers who have shown nothing but love and support and are here for just a fun time. Unfortunately I’m here to call out the disrespect and harassment someone who I love dearly is getting on a daily basis," he said.
Rudy continued: "It has gotten to the degree where lies are being spread and accusations are being said that go beyond the normal 'hate.' Not only is she not what she is being accused of being, she is the complete opposite and actively is so. Accusing someone you don’t know of being abusive and manipulative is not ok, especially when you don’t know the relationship personally."
"In this era of social engagement and enlightenment I want to express the importance to spread positivity and needing to know when it is unfair to express your own distaste for something or someone, especially when you can do it behind an anonymous identity," he added.
Elaine herself is yet to comment publicly on the issue.
