Saturday Night Live cast member Marcello Hernandez has directly addressed and dismissed persistent rumours suggesting a romantic involvement with Grammy-winning singer Sabrina Carpenter. The 28-year-old comedian, celebrated for his portrayal of the character Domingo on the iconic sketch show, firmly clarified his relationship status during a recent podcast appearance.
Setting the Record Straight on Armchair Expert
During an episode of Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Hernandez was directly questioned about his friendship with the 26-year-old "Espresso" singer. Shepard playfully probed, suggesting he should be trying to date Carpenter "with all my might." Hernandez swiftly redirected the conversation to affirm his committed relationship.
"I'm in a relationship with a Dominican girl. She's an architect. She's unreal. She went to Yale," Hernandez stated, referring to his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral. The couple have been dating since January 2025. He added, "But Sabrina's awesome," maintaining a respectful tone about Carpenter while drawing a clear boundary.
Origins of the Speculation
The relationship rumours initially ignited in November 2024 after a memorable cameo at one of Carpenter's Los Angeles concerts. Hernandez appeared in character as Domingo, where he was humorously "arrested" by Carpenter during her performance for being "too hot." The interaction, which included Hernandez singing an improvised verse to the tune of "Espresso," captivated the audience of 14,000 to 15,000 people at The Forum.
Reflecting on the event, Hernandez credited the show's writers and expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative bit. "The Domingo thing was big. And [Carpenter] was all about it, and it was so cool," he recounted to Shepard.
Fan Interpretation and Social Media Buzz
Following the concert, Hernandez shared a photograph on social media depicting him and Carpenter seated comfortably on a couch, with his arm resting across her thigh. This casual yet intimate snapshot fuelled further speculation among fans, leading many to hypothesise about a potential romantic connection between the two celebrities.
However, Hernandez's recent statements provide definitive context, emphasising his current relationship with Cabral. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter was previously linked to Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan, with the pair reportedly deciding to take "a break" in 2024 due to their demanding careers.
The clarification from Hernandez puts to rest the swirling gossip, highlighting the professional camaraderie and friendship between the two entertainers while affirming their separate personal lives.
