Keke Palmer has officially addressed the swirling romance rumors involving “Hot Ones” creator and host Sean Evans, confirming the pair is spending time together.
Speaking during a candid session with podcast host Jay Shetty at Spotify Beach 2026 on Tuesday, Palmer provided the most direct insight yet into their private connection. “First of all, I love Sean Evans. I love Sean. Hey Sean! That’s my guy,” Palmer said during the event. She explained that their relationship transitioned from a professional foundation into something deeper over several months.
“We started off as colleagues; you never know what can arise from there. So we’re just taking it day by day,” she added. The public confirmation follows months of tabloid speculation and fan theories. Just days prior to her appearance in Cannes, the duo was spotted sharing a late-night meal at Lucali, a popular pizza destination in Brooklyn.
Witnesses at the establishment noted that the pair stayed for roughly 90 minutes and described Evans as appearing “smitten” throughout the evening. The sparks between the actress and the professional interviewer have been visible for nearly a year. In September 2025, Palmer made history as the first person to appear on “Hot Ones” three times. During that record-setting episode, the chemistry between the host and guest was palpable, leading Palmer to jokingly propose to Evans toward the end of the segment.
Evans has not been shy about his admiration for the “Nope” star. During a 2023 appearance on the “Chicken Shop Date” series, Evans named Palmer as the one interviewee he had developed a crush on, calling her a “very charming woman.” Palmer later responded to the admission by stating she “knew the vibes were vibing” during their initial meeting.
The 32-year-old actress, known for her roles in “Hustlers” and “Akeelah and the Bee,” has been more open about her personal life recently after a highly publicized series of legal and personal transitions. Fans have largely championed the potential pairing, noting that both stars are respected for their work ethic and charismatic public personas. Evans also recently praised their natural rapport during a Hollywood event, describing their collaboration as a “one plus one equals three situation.”
While Palmer’s comments at Spotify Beach stop short of a formal relationship announcement, they mark a significant shift from the silence both parties maintained throughout the spring. As of Tuesday afternoon, Evans has not issued a formal response to Palmer’s comments, though he has previously characterized her as one of his favorite guests in the history of his long-running YouTube series.
For now, the “Big Boss” herself seems content to let the relationship develop away from the spotlight at its own pace.
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