Keke Palmer has once again sparked dating speculation with “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans after the two were reportedly seen together on a date night in New York City. TMZ reported that Palmer, 32, and Evans, 40, dined on Friday night at Lucali, an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, and spent more than an hour and a half together at the upscale spot. According to an eyewitness, the pair appeared deeply focused on each other throughout the evening, though they were not seen showing public displays of affection. Photos shared by DeuxMoi and TMZ showed Palmer and Evans seated at a candlelit table and engaged in conversation.
The new sighting comes after months of growing curiosity about the pair’s relationship. In May, Palmer and Evans appeared together on an episode of her “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast, where their playful chemistry drew attention. Palmer introduced Evans as her “potential future suitor,” and the conversation quickly turned flirtatious. Evans discussed a childhood celebrity crush, and Palmer joked about playing a similar role in a TLC biopic, prompting a warm exchange between them. Palmer’s mother also commented on the interaction, saying it was meaningful to see the connection between someone from Evans’ Illinois background and Palmer’s roots in Robbins, Illinois.
The podcast episode ended with the two embracing and telling each other, “I love you,” adding to the buzz surrounding their dynamic. Palmer and Evans have crossed paths multiple times in the past, including appearances on “Hot Ones,” where fans noticed their chemistry. In 2025, the pair surprised viewers with a kiss during one episode of Evans’ YouTube series, further fueling rumors that their relationship may be more than friendly.
Evans had previously acknowledged a crush on Palmer in 2023, a detail she later referenced during their podcast conversation. That history, along with their recent public interactions, has kept fans watching for signs of romance. Neither Palmer nor Evans has publicly confirmed a relationship, and representatives for both did not immediately comment on the latest reports.
Palmer was previously in a relationship with Darius Jackson, with whom she shares her son, Leo. The two separated in 2023 after a public dispute surrounding comments Jackson made about her outfit at an Usher concert. Evans was also linked to adult film star Melissa Stratton, but the pair reportedly split in 2024.
The Brooklyn dinner outing has now become the latest moment to intensify speculation, with observers noting the pair’s close body language, extended conversation, and repeated on-camera flirtation over the past year.
