Keke Palmer calls chemistry with 'Hot Ones' host Sean Evans 'genuine' as she addresses dating rumors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Keke Palmer is addressing the growing attention surrounding her connection with Sean Evans, asking fans to let their relationship develop naturally rather than rush to conclusions.

The actress shared that her chemistry with the 'Hot Ones' host is genuine, while also opening up about fame, social media and her journey toward becoming a more grounded version of herself. The pair first met nearly nine years ago while filming his podcast, where their interaction gained attention for their natural rapport.

Keke Palmer addresses Sean Evans romance speculation and their natural chemistry

Palmer said that her “chemistry” with Evans is “genuine,” but encouraged fans to take a step back and let her love life unfold organically. While appearing on 'Today With Jenna & Sheinelle' on Monday, she reflected on her bond with Evans, who previously admitted he had a crush on her during a 2023 appearance on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s 'Chicken Shop Date.'

“We always felt that chemistry,” she said while discussing her connection with him, adding, “I couldn’t force that.” Evans later appeared on her podcast 'Baby, This Is Keke Palmer' in May, where they discussed their friendship and viral chemistry.

During the conversation, Evans described her as “obviously very charismatic,” while adding that she was “smart” and “beautiful.” The duo sparked further speculation after they were spotted sharing dinner at an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn.

Palmer later admitted she was surprised by how quickly people reacted to the outing. “I was gagged that everybody was ready to marry me off,” she said, adding, “Guys, let it cook! They married your girl off in two seconds!”

She explained that the public attention surrounding her personal life has even affected her everyday interactions. “They write the story quicker than you can live it,” she said, recalling how people approached her at places like airports asking about her relationship status.

During Spotify’s 'Conversations That Channel Culture' panel at Cannes Lions on June 23, she was asked by podcast host Jay Shetty if she was “serious about Sean Evans.” Responding to the speculation, Palmer said, “We hangin out, you know what I mean?”

“Essentially, we met at work. We had chemistry. It’s like, you know, work husband, work wife. You just have that chemistry with people. Then, we hang out,” she explained.

Keke Palmer reflects on fame, social media and becoming more grounded

Alongside discussing her connection with Evans, she has also opened up about her relationship with fame, social media and her personal growth journey.

At a 2026 Tribeca Film Festival Storyteller event in New York City on June 8, Palmer spoke with Whoopi Goldberg about her experience with public attention, reconnecting with her body after childbirth and focusing on becoming the most “grounded” and “embodied” version of herself.

Palmer shared that she became more aware of her relationship with her body after welcoming her son, Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson, in February 2023. She explained that pregnancy encouraged her to reconnect with herself, which led her to practice Pilates.

“After I had my son, I started to think about everything differently, and obviously I need to get back in touch with my body because [pregnancy is] such an out-of-body experience,” she told Goldberg.

She added that she realised she had been unconsciously disconnected from herself. Through Pilates, she said, “I started to understand being intentional about choosing to stay in my body."

Palmer also discussed her approach to social media, saying that she sometimes checks online conversations because she enjoys pop culture and wants to stay informed. However, she remains cautious about allowing online opinions to shape her perspective.