Sean Evans and Keke Palmer Spark Dating Rumors During Dinner Outing
Hot Ones host Sean Evans and Nope actress Keke Palmer are sparking dating rumors online following their viral kiss on TV.
The duo was seen having a cozy dinner at the popular Italian restaurant Lucali in Brooklyn on Friday, June 12, with photos captured by various outlets, including the celebrity gossip site DeuxMoi and TMZ.
During their 90-minute meal, Evans, 40, and Palmer, 32, were reportedly “locked in,” according to Cosmopolitan. Although they did not display overt affection, sources informed TMZ that Evans seemed quite “smitten” with Palmer.
At the special FYC event at Avalon in Hollywood on Tuesday, June 9, Evans spoke again about the undeniable chemistry he feels with Palmer, who previously called him “charming.”
“Working with Keke Palmer is always like a one plus one equals three situation,” Evans remarked at the event, per The Hollywood Reporter. “You know who I loved interviewing was Viola Davis. I really loved interviewing Viola Davis. Paul Rudd is another one who immediately understood what we were doing and got me.”
Neither Evans nor Palmer have publicly defined their relationship status. Us Weekly has reached out for comments from their representatives.
@firstwefeast the smooch that broke the internet ❤️🔥😘 #HotOnes #BabyThisIsKekePalmer #SeanEvans #KekePalme
Rumors about Evans and Palmer being an item are gaining traction, particularly after the Hot Ones host confessed to having a crush on the actress.
“Keke Palmer,” Evans told Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg when asked if there was anyone he had a liking for among interviewees. “Very charming. Very charming woman.”
Palmer responded to his sweet declaration, commenting on the post showcasing the interview clip, “It was love at first hot wing — this was too kind @seanseaevans.” Later, she told People in an August 2024 interview that she was “living for” his revelation.
“Not to say that I was surprised or I wasn’t surprised,” she explained at that time. “But when I heard it and people were sending it to me, I was like, ‘I knew the vibes were vibing.’”
In September 2025, they shared what was seemingly their first real kiss during Palmer’s third appearance on Hot Ones.
“And then there’s one more thing I’d like to say, Sean,” Palmer said during the episode, taking control. “Because I saw an interview where you said I was your favorite guest, you know, and all this really sweet stuff. And I know we’ve just had some wings, but I thought that maybe we could just have a quick smooch to see if there’s a spark.”
“When I’m dying and my life flashes before my eyes, I’ll have that snapshot,” Evans said after sharing a kiss with the actress.
