Photo: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Over the weekend, actress Keke Palmer and Sean Evans, host of the popular show Hot Ones, were seen dining together in New York City, igniting speculation about a possible romance. The pair were spotted at the Italian restaurant Lucali in Brooklyn, where they reportedly spent over an hour and a half in close conversation, according to TMZ.
See the dinner photos here
Evans has been open about his admiration for Palmer, first expressing his crush during a 2023 episode of Chicken Shop Date. Their chemistry was further highlighted during a 2025 Hot Ones episode when they shared a surprise kiss. Palmer later joked, "The sparks are sparking!" after the kiss, while Evans commented, "When I'm dying, and my life flashes before my eyes, I'll have that snapshot."
Despite the rumors, both Palmer and Evans have maintained that they are just friends. They have appeared together on several occasions, including an episode of Palmer's podcast, _Baby, This Is Keke Palmer_, in spring 2026, where she introduced Evans as her "potential future suitor."
While the recent dinner has fueled speculation, neither Palmer nor Evans have publicly addressed the dating rumors. Fans continue to watch closely, hoping for more insight into the nature of their relationship.