Celebrity Celebrity Relationships Celebrity Dating 'Outer Banks' ' Rudy Pankow Defends Girlfriend Elaine amid Ongoing 'Harassment': 'It's Time to Stop' The Outer Banks star defended Siemek on Instagram after his girlfriend received an onslaught of negative comments online By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Dory Jackson is a Staff Editor for PEOPLE's TV News team. Upon joining the brand in March 2021, she has had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She has also helped recap popular TV shows like 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' 'Sister Wives' and 'Vanderpump Rules.' The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus on Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 9, 2021 11:20AM EDT Photo: Elaine Siemek/Instagram Rudy Pankow is standing up for his girlfriend, Elaine Siemek. The Outer Banks star, 22, defended Siemek on Instagram after she received an onslaught of negative comments online. "I'm here to call out the disrespect and harassment someone who I love dearly is getting on a daily basis. It has gotten to the degree where lies are being spread and accusations are being said that go [sic] beyond the normal 'hate,'" he wrote alongside a photo of the pair. "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," he continued. Pankow added that while he may not post about his relationship regularly, he is still "very happy" with Siemek. "I'm very happy in the relationship I'm in. 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." Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline Are on the Run in Action-Packed Outer Banks Season 2 Trailer Directly addressing individuals who are "creating such displeasure and opinions" about Siemek, Pankow said that "it's time to stop." "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 wrote. "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." Pankow's Outer Banks costar Charles Esten showed his support for the couple in the comments section. "We'll [sic] said, my friend," Esten, 55, wrote. "All the love and light you deserve to you both! ❤️❤️." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Pankow and Siemek started dating after she worked as an assistant on the set of Outer Banks. In November, the actor posted a sweet birthday tribute to his girlfriend on Instagram, reading: "You give me butterflies everyday [sic] ... literally. Happy Birthday PBM❤️." Outer Banks' first two seasons are now streaming on Netflix. Close