Rudy Pankow is standing up for his leading lady.
The 22-year-old actor, who plays JJ on Outer Banks, took to Instagram to defend girlfriend Elaine Siemek from trolls online. Alongside a photo of the couple, Rudy made it clear that while he's thankful for support from fans, the hate towards Elaine needs to end.
"Unfortunately, I'm here to call out the disrespect and harassment someone who I love dearly is getting on a daily basis," he captioned the Aug. 6 post. "It has gotten to the degree where lies are being spread and accusations are being said that go beyond the normal ‘hate.'"
Rudy also tagged Elaine—who's social media account is now private—in the post. "Accusing someone you don't know of being abusive and manipulative is not ok," Rudy added. "Especially when you don't know the relationship personally."
"I'm very happy in the relationship I'm in," he continued. "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. To those who are creating such displeasure and opinions about the one I love and my relationship, it's time to stop."
Fans have speculated that the two began dating after meeting on the set of the hit Netflix series, of which Elaine reportedly worked behind the scenes as an assistant.
In his Instagram post, Rudy emphasized the need to "spread positivity" on social media, adding, "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."
The Politician star concluded his post with a message of peace, writing, "I was always told the best version of yourself is your most humbled self… I make this statement as my most humbled self and would be so grateful if we all would move forward in positivity and respect."