‘Outer Banks’ drama resurfaces as Rudy Pankow unfollows former co-stars

Rudy Pankow unfollows Madison Bailey and Madelyn Cline, fueling speculation about ongoing ‘Outer Banks’ cast drama.

Rudy Pankow has officially unfollowed his former Outer Banks co-stars Madison Bailey and Madelyn Cline on Instagram, reigniting speculation about ongoing tension within the cast.

The move comes months after his exit from the hit Netflix series and amid persistent rumors of an off-screen rift.

While the exact timing of the unfollow remains unclear, fans noticed the change around February 25, 2025, quickly sparking online discussions. Some pointed out that Madelyn had previously unfollowed Rudy in November 2024, shortly after Outer Banks Season 4 premiered. Adding to the speculation, fans claim she shared—and later deleted—a cryptic meme of a smirking girl in front of a burning house, hinting at possible behind-the-scenes drama.

Reports of tension among the Outer Banks cast date back years, with much of the rumored discord allegedly involving Rudy, his girlfriend Elaine Siemek, and the rest of the main cast. Fans believe Rudy’s on-screen chemistry with Madison, who played his love interest, may have contributed to the fallout. Speculation suggests Elaine wasn’t comfortable with their dynamic, while Madison’s girlfriend, Mariah Linney, may have also played a role in the strained relationships.

During Rudy’s final season, viewers noted a shift in his on-screen connection with Madison, with some blaming outside influence. An insider confirmed to Life & Style that tensions were evident while filming. “They were once very close, but something changed, making their dynamic noticeably strained,” the source shared.

Though the full story remains unclear, Rudy’s social media move only fuels ongoing speculation about what really happened behind the scenes of Outer Banks.