Honestly, if you've spent even five minutes on the "Outer Banks" side of TikTok, you’ve probably seen the chaos. Fans are constantly dissecting every single frame of Madison Bailey’s life. Is she with a co-star? Did she break up with her long-term partner? The internet has a way of turning a simple "unfollow" into a full-blown investigation, and lately, the trail has been pretty messy.
Basically, for the longest time, the answer to who is madison bailey dating was simple: Mariah Linney. They were the gold standard for Gen Z celebrity couples. They met in the most 2020 way possible—through TikTok—and stayed together for years. But things shifted. Hard.
The Mariah Linney Era: What Happened?
Madison and Mariah were inseparable for nearly five years. Mariah, a former basketball standout for the UNC Charlotte 49ers, wasn't just a "girlfriend" in the background. She was a staple at every red carpet and a frequent guest in Madison’s viral dance videos. They survived the "Outer Banks" filming schedules and the intense spotlight that comes with a Netflix mega-hit.
But here is where it gets rocky. In April 2025, the digital world noticed something that usually signals the end for any modern couple. They unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Yeah, it sounds petty, but in Celeb Land, that’s basically a legal filing. Mariah started posting these really cryptic, emotional quotes on her Stories about "hurting" and how things didn't "go to plan." It wasn't just a glitch. They scrubbed a lot of their joint photos, and the sweet anniversary posts from 2024—where they celebrated four years—felt like a lifetime ago.
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The Austin Tyler Rumors: Just Work or Something More?
Fast forward to January 2026, and the rumor mill is churning again. Recently, Madison was spotted hanging out with Austin Tyler. If that name doesn't ring a bell, he’s a stunt double on "Outer Banks." Specifically, he’s the guy who often doubles for Rudy Pankow (JJ).
Naturally, the "Jiara" shippers—those who want Madison’s character, Kiara, to date JJ in real life—went absolutely feral. Seeing her with a guy who looks almost exactly like Rudy from a distance was enough to spark a thousand "Are they dating?" threads.
But let’s be real for a second. They work together. Being photographed with a coworker on a show that films in high-intensity environments for months at a time doesn't automatically mean a secret romance. Madison has been super vocal in the past about how much she values the "boundary" between her work life and her actual heart.
Why Everyone Thought She Was Dating Rudy Pankow
We have to address the elephant in the room: Rudy Pankow. For years, people have sworn these two were a "thing." Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and that "will-they-won't-they" energy from the Pogue life definitely bleeds into how fans see them.
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However, they've both shut this down more times than I can count. Rudy has been in a long-term relationship with Elaine Siemek, and Madison has consistently called Rudy a "brother." There was even some weird drama back in 2023 where it looked like Madison and Mariah unfollowed Elaine after a cast dinner, which made fans think there was "beef." Honestly, it’s mostly just typical set drama that got blown out of proportion by bored teenagers on Twitter.
So, Who Is Madison Bailey Dating Today?
Right now? It’s complicated. If we’re looking at the facts, Madison hasn't "hard-launched" anyone since the fallout with Mariah Linney.
- Relationship Status: Likely single or keeping a very low profile.
- The Mariah Situation: Still seems to be over, given the lack of digital interaction.
- The Austin Tyler Theory: Currently just speculation based on a few sightings.
Madison is 27 now. She’s at a point in her career where she’s transitioning from "teen star" to a serious actress with staying power. After being so public with Mariah—she literally told Entertainment Tonight in 2020 that she had "zero hesitation" to post about her love—she might be pulling back.
A lot of actors realize that when you give the public 100% of your relationship, they feel entitled to 100% of the breakup. That's exhausting.
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What This Means for "Outer Banks" Fans
If you're looking for a definitive answer on who is madison bailey dating, the most honest answer is that she is currently protecting her peace. After a high-profile breakup and years of people screaming for her to date her coworkers, she’s likely enjoying the quiet.
If you want to keep track of what’s actually true versus what’s just fan fiction, here is what you should do:
- Check the Tags, Not Just the Follows: Fans often spot Madison in the background of her friends' posts (like the OBX cast) before she ever posts anything herself.
- Ignore the "Ship" Edits: Just because a TikTok edit makes it look like she and a co-star are staring longingly at each other doesn't mean it happened. Slow-motion and sad music can make a trip to the craft services table look like a breakup.
- Watch for Official Statements: Madison is pretty transparent. When she’s ready to share who she’s with, she usually does it on her own terms, likely via a casual TikTok or a series of "photo dump" slides.
Until she posts that elusive "new person" photo, the smart money is on her being single and focusing on the final stretch of the show that made her famous.