The Shocking Truth About Madison Bailey’s Girlfriends: Unpacking The Mariah Linney Split Rumors In 2025

The love life of *Outer Banks* star Madison Bailey has always been a topic of fascination, but as of December 2025, her famously public relationship with long-time girlfriend Mariah Linney is facing intense scrutiny. Fans of the beloved couple, known for their authentic and open dynamic, have been sent into a frenzy following recent, undeniable social media activity suggesting a major shift in their four-year romance. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the iconic pairing has officially come to an end, marking the close of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ relationships. This comprehensive deep-dive will explore the full history of Madison Bailey's love life, from her groundbreaking coming-out story to the viral "meet-cute" with Mariah Linney, and break down the definitive, most current details surrounding the persistent rumors of a 2025 split. We are going beyond the headlines to uncover the story behind the social media silence and what it means for one of the entertainment world's most influential young stars.

Madison Bailey: A Complete Biography and Profile

Madison Lilly Bailey is an American actress who shot to global fame with her breakout role as Kiara "Kie" Carrera in the smash-hit Netflix teen drama series, *Outer Banks*. Her portrayal of the Pogue-turned-Kook-ally resonated deeply with audiences, establishing her as a major Gen Z icon. Here is a detailed look at the profile of the influential star:

• Full Name: Madison Lilly Bailey
• Date of Birth: January 29, 1999
• Birthplace: Kernersville, North Carolina
• Age: 26 (as of December 2025)
• Early Life: Bailey was adopted as a baby and has been open about her experience being raised by parents of a different race. She began her acting career around 2015.
• Breakout Role: Kiara Carrera, *Outer Banks* (2020–present)
• Notable Projects: *Creepshow*, *American Horror Stories*, *Council of Dads*
• Sexuality: Pansexual (came out publicly in 2017)
• Advocacy: A prominent advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. She has been open about her Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) diagnosis.

Bailey's openness about her sexuality and mental health journey has made her a powerful role model, transcending her acting career to become a significant cultural figure.

The Relationship That Defined a Generation: Madison Bailey and Mariah Linney

Before the current speculation, Madison Bailey’s most significant and public relationship was with Mariah Linney. Their relationship was celebrated for its authenticity, transparency, and the simple fact that it began in a very modern, relatable way—through social media.

The Viral TikTok Meet-Cute

The story of how Madison and Mariah met is a quintessential modern-day romance. In the midst of the 2020 pandemic lockdown, when the first season of *Outer Banks* was making Madison a household name, Mariah Linney, a former college basketball player for the UNC Charlotte 49ers, sent a flirty TikTok video Madison’s way. Madison, who was in Charleston, South Carolina, filming the series, was instantly smitten. She quickly slid into Linney's DMs, and the two connected immediately. Their first in-person meeting led to a whirlwind romance, with Bailey confirming the relationship in May 2020.

Mariah Linney: More Than Just a Partner

Mariah Linney is a former NCAA Division I basketball player, known for her athletic prowess at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While Madison is the actress, Mariah became an entity in her own right, often accompanying Bailey to red carpet events, including the season premieres of *Outer Banks*. Their relationship was a beacon for young LGBTQ+ fans, showcasing a healthy, supportive, and fun partnership. They frequently shared glimpses into their life together, from simple home moments to exotic vacations, building a substantial following and earning the nickname "Madiah" from fans. The couple was together for nearly five years, a significant milestone in the world of young Hollywood.

Unpacking the Shocking 2025 Breakup Rumors

The stability of the "Madiah" relationship was suddenly thrown into question in late 2025, sparking a massive online reaction. The rumors of a split are not based on an official announcement but on a distinct pattern of social media activity—or lack thereof—that fans have been quick to dissect.

The Social Media Unfollow

The primary catalyst for the breakup speculation was the discovery that Madison Bailey and Mariah Linney had unfollowed each other on Instagram and TikTok. In the age of digital romance, this simple action is often interpreted as the definitive confirmation of a relationship's end, especially for public figures who rely on social media to share their lives. Further fueling the fire, fans noticed:

• Photo Purges: While some photos remain, a noticeable number of joint posts, particularly more recent ones, appeared to be removed or archived from both their profiles.
• Silence: There has been a prolonged absence of any joint appearances or mentions of each other on their respective platforms, a stark contrast to their previously open and affectionate online presence.
• Recent Reporting: One search result even explicitly listed the relationship timeline as "From 2020 to 2025," strongly suggesting that the separation is a recent, confirmed event.

As of December 2025, neither Madison Bailey nor Mariah Linney has issued an official statement confirming the separation. However, the collective evidence suggests a significant and likely permanent end to the relationship.

The Impact on Madison Bailey’s Love Life

The potential end of the relationship with Mariah Linney marks a pivotal moment in Madison Bailey’s personal life. Her previous dating history is not as well-documented, though she was linked to actor JJ Hawkins before her relationship with Mariah. As she navigates this new chapter, the focus will undoubtedly shift to her career and her continued advocacy work. Bailey is known for her resilience and her commitment to using her platform to discuss difficult topics, so fans can expect her to address the situation on her own terms, if at all.

What’s Next for the *Outer Banks* Star?

With the *Outer Banks* universe continuing to expand, Madison Bailey’s professional life is busier than ever. Her role as Kiara Carrera remains central to the show's narrative, and her star power is only growing. While the breakup rumors are a source of sadness for fans, the focus remains on Madison’s strength as an individual. She continues to be a powerful voice for the pansexual community and a beacon of hope for those dealing with mental health challenges. Whether she is single, dating quietly, or simply taking time for herself, Madison Bailey’s influence and star power are set to define the next era of her career, regardless of her relationship status. The "Pogue life" continues, and so does the journey of one of Hollywood’s most authentic young stars.