Marcello Hernández Sets Record Straight on Sabrina Carpenter Dating Speculation
For months, entertainment circles have been abuzz with speculation about whether Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández might be secretly dating pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. Fans have meticulously analyzed every public appearance and social media interaction between the two performers, creating a whirlwind of romantic theories. The persistent rumors have dominated online discussions, with supporters dissecting their chemistry and shared moments. Now, the 28-year-old comedian has finally addressed the widespread speculation directly, providing a clear and definitive answer to end the ongoing conjecture.
The Official Denial on Armchair Expert Podcast
During a recent appearance on Dax Shepard's popular Armchair Expert podcast, Hernández firmly shut down the dating rumors that have circulated for months. When Shepard playfully suggested that he should pursue Carpenter romantically, Hernández declined to engage with the hypothetical scenario. Instead, he revealed that he is currently in a committed relationship with Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral, an accomplished architect who graduated from Yale University. Hernández emphasized the platonic nature of his connection with Carpenter, stating simply that they maintain a friendly professional relationship without any romantic involvement.
"I'm dating a Dominican girl. She's an architect. She's amazing. She went to Yale," Hernández declared during the podcast interview. He further explained that his relationship with Cabral has been public since at least July 2025, when they attended the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere together, though sources indicate they've been together since January of the previous year. Despite his clear denial, Hernández did offer kind words about Carpenter, adding, "But Sabrina's awesome," confirming that there's no animosity between them despite the persistent rumors.
Origins of the Dating Speculation
The rumors began gaining traction in November 2024 when Hernández made a surprise appearance as his popular SNL character Domingo during Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour stop in Los Angeles. During the concert, Carpenter playfully "arrested" Hernández onstage for being "too hot," creating a viral moment that delighted fans. The interaction sparked immediate speculation about their relationship status, particularly when Carpenter teased him during the performance.
The Domingo character originally debuted on SNL in a sketch featuring Ariana Grande and a group of bridesmaids singing about a bride's bachelorette party encounter. The character's popularity exploded on social media, leading to recurring appearances. When Carpenter returned as a musical guest for SNL's 50th anniversary celebration in February 2025, their onstage chemistry further fueled speculation among observant fans.
Additional fuel was added to the rumor mill when a photograph surfaced showing Hernández and Carpenter sitting closely together on a couch, with his hand positioned near her thigh. The image went viral across multiple platforms, with fans interpreting the body language as evidence of a romantic connection. However, Hernández has consistently maintained that their collaboration stems from shared comedic sensibilities and professional respect rather than romantic interest.
Sabrina Carpenter's Relationship History
Sabrina Carpenter's romantic life has consistently attracted public attention throughout her career. Prior to the speculation about Hernández, she was in a relationship with Irish actor Barry Keoghan. The pair began dating in late 2023 and made numerous public appearances together before reportedly parting ways in late 2024 to focus on their respective careers. Carpenter has also been romantically linked to musicians Shawn Mendes and Joshua Bassett in previous years, though none of those connections developed into long-term relationships.
Interestingly, just as discussions about Hernández began to subside, new rumors emerged connecting Carpenter to Stranger Things star Joe Keery, who also performs as musical artist Djo. In 2025, Carpenter attended Keery's Austin City Limits performance after previously handcuffing him playfully during one of her own concerts—a moment that quickly went viral online. Although fans reported seeing her backstage at his show, neither party has confirmed or denied any romantic involvement, leaving this speculation unverified.
The Professional Reality Behind the Rumors
Despite the persistent speculation, Hernández has emphasized that his interactions with Carpenter remain strictly professional and friendly. The Domingo character appearances during her concerts represent collaborative comedy rather than romantic connection. Both performers have demonstrated the ability to maintain positive working relationships while navigating the challenges of public scrutiny. As entertainment industry professionals, they continue to support each other's creative endeavors without allowing rumors to affect their friendship or collaborative spirit.
The situation highlights how quickly fan speculation can develop around celebrity interactions, particularly when performers demonstrate strong onstage chemistry. While the rumors provided ample material for social media discussions, Hernández's straightforward clarification serves as a reminder that public perceptions don't always align with private realities in the entertainment world.
