Kéké Palmer And Sean Evans have reignited romance rumors after they were spotted enjoying a cozy dinner together. The couple’s outing quickly caught the attention of netizens, with many speculating about the nature of their relationship.
The actress and YouTube personality first met in 2017, when the former appeared as a guest on “Hot Ones.” Since then, Palmer has returned to the show twice, with the third appearance sending fans into a frenzy after she and Evans shared a kiss. With their undeniable chemistry, many can’t help but speculate whether there is something more than friendship between the two.
Keke Palmer and Sean Evans’ Cozy Dinner
On June 12, Keke Palmer and “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans were spotted dining together at Lucali in Brooklyn. Celebrity gossip account Deuxmoi posted a photo of the two seemingly in conversation.
A source also said TMZ that the dinner lasted more than 90 minutes and that Evans seemed “smitten” with the actress. Despite the dating rumors, the insider observed that the dinner felt more like a meal with friends.
One user commented on Deuxmoi’s post saying, “You can tell from this photo alone that she really likes him, but the interaction is platonic.” Others dispatched the two, with one suggesting the couple’s name “KeSean” and another writing, “He smiled like a schoolgirl, she acted like Zendaya…it’s meant to be!” »
Sean Evans admitted to having a crush on the actress
Palmer and Evans first met in 2017 on “Hot Ones” to promote his film “Berlin Station.” Four years later, she returned to the show for the second time.
In 2023, Evans was a guest on “Chicken Shop Date” and host Amelia Dimoldenberg asked him if he ever had a crush on any of the celebrity guests on “Hot Ones.” The show premiered on YouTube in 2015 and has since hosted hundreds of celebrity guests. In the setup, Evans interviews celebrities while eating chicken wings slathered in hot sauce that gets progressively spicier.
Evans told Dimoldenberg that he had a crush on Palmer, adding: “Very charming. Very charming woman.”
Keke Palmer had ‘good chemistry’ with the host
After Evans’ reveal, Palmer took to Instagram to post this segment of “Chicken Shop Date,” adding the caption, “It was love at first sight – it was so sweet” and tagging Evans.
In 2024, PEOPLE Palmer was asked for her reaction to what Evans said about her, to which she replied, “I was living for it,” adding that she had “good chemistry” with the “Hot Ones” host.
“I don’t want to say I was surprised or I wasn’t surprised. But when I heard it and people were sending it to me, I was like, ‘I knew the vibes were vibrating,'” the actress said.
Palmer returned to “Hot Ones” for the third time in September 2025. “We’re together again,” Palmer said. “I can’t leave you,” Evans replied.
At the end of the episode, Palmer admitted that she saw the host talking about his crush on her. “I know we just got a few wings, but I thought maybe we could just have a quick kiss to see if there was a spark,” she then suggested.
Evans agreed and the two shared a quick slap. “The spark was flying,” the actress could be heard saying afterwards. “When I die and my life flashes before my eyes, I will have this snapshot. You are incredible. I love you,” Evans said.
They reunited on Keke Palmer’s podcast
Keke Palmer and Sean Evans React to Their Most Viral Flirting Moments Together and Admit They Both Feel INSANE Chemistry After Revisiting the Clip In Which Sean Revealed Keke Was His Crush 😭❤️👀
“I gagged when you said that. I was like, so that was special?” pic.twitter.com/SYhjQ0zleP
– Killa 🌺 (@KillaKreww) May 28, 2026
In May 2026, several months after sharing a kiss, Evans appeared on Palmer’s podcast, “Baby, This is Keke Palmer.” The two continued their flirty banter, with the singer introducing Evans as her “potential future suitor.”
During their conversation, Palmer asked Evans about his first crush. He revealed that it was TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Palmer then said that she played Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in the 2013 TLC movie, “Close Enough,” she added.
At one point, they watched videos of their times together over the years, including the kiss. “I think they probably thought it was a scenario because you didn’t seem surprised at all,” Palmer said. Evans noted that he didn’t need to think about it, adding, “Once I heard the offer and the terms, I signed immediately.” »
