Keke Palmer and Sean Evans have reignited dating speculation after the pair were spotted sharing what appeared to be an intimate dinner in New York City. The outing comes after months of playful exchanges, flirtatious interviews, and viral moments that have led fans to wonder whether the actress and television host are more than just friends.
According to TMZ, Palmer and the ‘Hot Ones’ host spent Friday evening together at Lucali, the famed Brooklyn pizzeria that regularly attracts celebrity diners. The report noted that the pair remained at the restaurant for more than 90 minutes, with eyewitnesses describing them as completely focused on each other throughout the evening. While there were reportedly no public displays of affection, one observer claimed Evans appeared particularly “smitten” during the dinner.
The Rumors Have Been Building For Months
The latest sighting feels less like a surprise and more like the latest chapter in a story that has been unfolding for months. Palmer and Evans have shared an easy chemistry across multiple appearances, most notably during Palmer’s visit to ‘Hot Ones’, where the pair’s playful dynamic quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the episode.
The speculation only intensified two weeks ago when Evans appeared on Palmer’s podcast, ‘Baby, This Is Keke Palmer’. The episode, which was released on YouTube on May 30, saw Palmer jokingly introduce the ‘Hot Ones’ host as a “potential future suitor” before the pair launched into a candid conversation about dating, celebrity crushes, dream date spots, and relationships.
One exchange that has resurfaced following the New York dinner involved Evans describing his ideal romantic outing. When asked about his favorite type of date, the ‘Hot Ones’ host admitted that food would be at the center of it.
“I’m a food guy, you know. I’m a restaurant guy,” Evans said before adding that he enjoys “oysters or caviar and champagne,” along with “a little truffle, little Wagyu.”
The interview also revealed a more personal side of Evans. While discussing celebrity crushes, he recalled that his first crush was TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. He even shared a childhood memory about asking his father whether someone his own age could grow up to resemble the singer.
“My first one ever was Left Eye from TLC,” Evans said, remembering how captivated he was after seeing her on television as a child.
The podcast appearance was filled with the kind of easy banter that immediately caught the attention of viewers, many of whom began speculating that there might be genuine romantic interest between the two. Those rumors only grew louder after their now-viral kiss on ‘Hot Ones’, a moment that sparked widespread discussion across social media.
Neither Palmer nor Evans has publicly addressed the latest round of speculation following their dinner at Lucali. For now, the pair continue to present themselves as close friends. Still, between the flirtatious interviews, the viral moments, and now a lengthy dinner date in Brooklyn, fans have found plenty of reasons to keep wondering whether there is more to the story.