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Are they a couple or not? This is the question the internet has been pondering for quite some time concerning Keke Palmer and “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans. The friends have fueled romance speculation over the past year after the “I Love Boosters” actress invited Sean onto her podcast, “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” to discuss their camaraderie.
However, their connection actually began in 2017 when Keke first made an appearance on his highly popular show.
Now that the pair has been seen dining together in New York City, as reported by the celebrity gossip outlet DeuxMoi, admirers are eager to ascertain whether they are indeed romantically involved.
Here’s a summary of what is known about Keke and Sean’s relationship up to this point.
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When Did Keke Palmer First Encounter Sean Evans?
Keke and Sean initially crossed paths in 2017 when she was a guest on his program, “Hot Ones.” Even then, their chemistry was apparent, but the moment passed, and it wasn’t until years later that Sean confessed to harboring feelings for the “True Jackson, VP” star.
In 2021, Keke made a second appearance on “Hot Ones” to reconnect with Sean, and it was at this juncture that fans began to notice their amiable rapport.
Approximately two years subsequently, Sean was a guest on the “Chicken Shop Date” podcast, and the host, Amelia Dimoldenberg, inquired if he had ever harbored a crush on any of his “Hot Ones” guests. He acknowledged that he had, specifically on Keke.
Consequently, when Keke joined Sean on his show for a third time in 2025, she proposed a “quick kiss to see if there’s a spark” between them, and Sean gladly obliged.
“There’s one more thing I’d like to say, Sean,” Keke stated. “I saw an interview where you said I was your favorite guest 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.”
Following their brief embrace, the “Hustlers” actress declared, “The spark was sparking. When I’m dying, and my life flashes before my eyes, I’ll have that snapshot.”
Are Keke Palmer & Sean Evans Dating?
Neither Keke nor Sean has publicly confirmed their romantic status. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether they have officially defined their relationship. However, a photograph disseminated by DeuxMoi in June 2026 ignited a fervent discussion on social media.
The image in question appeared to depict Keke and Sean seated at a dining table in Brooklyn, New York. While it might have been a casual get-together, social media users expressed hope that it signaled something more.
Who Is Keke Palmer’s Baby’s Father?
Keke is the mother of her son, Leodis, with her former partner Darius Jackson. The co-parents were together from 2021 to 2023.