Marcello Hernández Sets Record Straight On Sabrina Carpenter Rumors

For months, fans of Saturday Night Live’s breakout comedian Marcello Hernández and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter have speculated about a possible romance between the two. Their on-screen chemistry, viral concert moments, and playful banter have fueled endless social media theories. But on January 26, 2026, Hernández finally put the rumors to rest during a candid conversation on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, revealing the true story behind the headlines.

Hernández, 28, has quickly become one of SNL’s most recognizable faces, thanks in part to his recurring role as Domingo—a character that’s seen him perform alongside stars like Bad Bunny, Pedro Pascal, and yes, Sabrina Carpenter herself. The Domingo skit, which originated in an episode hosted by Ariana Grande, became a fan favorite, even making its way into Carpenter’s concerts. One particularly memorable moment saw Carpenter “arrest” Hernández (in full Domingo beard) for being “too hot,” sending the internet into a frenzy and sparking even more speculation about their off-stage relationship.

So when Dax Shepard, never one to shy away from a juicy question, asked Hernández directly about his intentions with Carpenter, fans listened closely. “If I’m you, and I’m 28, I’m going to try to date her with all my might,” Shepard joked. “Are you not trying your hardest to marry her?”

Hernández’s answer was refreshingly straightforward—and perhaps a little surprising to those invested in the rumors. “I’m in a relationship,” Hernández replied. “Yeah, I’m in a relationship with a Dominican girl. She’s an architect. She’s unreal. She went to Yale.” According to E! News and People, this is one of the only times Hernández has spoken publicly about his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral.

Batlle Cabral is no stranger to accomplishment herself. Raised in the Dominican Republic, she studied architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design before earning her master’s degree from Yale University in 2023. After graduation, she launched into a career as a full-time architect at Taller Frida Escobedo, a studio with offices in both New York and Mexico City. She’s also a co-founder of the design company BATLLE + sig, which she started with her Yale classmate Signe Ferguson during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Signe invited me over for dinner. I started cooking and reading books with her, and we became close friends. Because the school was closed down, we made our studios within our homes,” Cabral shared with Speciwomen in January 2025. She explained that irony is a recurring theme in her work, “using an everyday material that isn’t normally appreciated, questioning sacred ritual versus corporate capital.”

The couple first went public in July 2025, when Hernández brought Cabral as his date to the New York City premiere of Happy Gilmore 2, where he played Esteban. Since then, they’ve made several red carpet appearances together, including a memorable turn as Gomez and Morticia Addams at Heidi Klum’s Halloween party. They’ve also been spotted dining together at New York’s Marea and attending other events, though they generally keep their relationship out of the spotlight.

Earlier this year, Hernández even stirred up marriage rumors after posting a video of himself getting dressed for what looked like a wedding. Fans wondered if he and Cabral had tied the knot. But Hernández later clarified that the video was simply a clever promotion for his Netflix comedy special, American Boy. The speculation, it seems, was all in good fun.

As for Sabrina Carpenter, her own relationship status has been the subject of much curiosity since her breakup with actor Barry Keoghan at the end of 2024. Carpenter, known for her hit single “Espresso” and her energetic stage presence, has also been linked by fans to Stranger Things star Joe Keery. Like the rumors with Hernández, these seem to be more the product of wishful fan “shipping” than reality. Though Carpenter and Keery have been spotted at some of the same events, there’s no concrete evidence of a romance—just the kind of speculation that comes with celebrity culture.

Throughout the Armchair Expert podcast episode, Hernández was quick to praise Carpenter’s talent and their professional rapport. “The Domingo thing was big. And [Carpenter] was all about it, and it was so cool,” he said. “And the writers. Truly an unreal experience. And Sabrina’s really down to clown. She’s down to think of something funny. She’s an actress.” It’s clear there’s genuine mutual respect, but Hernández emphasized that his heart belongs elsewhere.

Hernández’s honesty on the podcast made headlines across entertainment news outlets. According to US Weekly and E! News, his comments not only put the dating rumors to rest but also highlighted his strong commitment to Batlle Cabral. “I’m in a relationship with a Dominican girl. She’s unreal,” he reiterated—a simple statement that spoke volumes.

For fans who have followed Hernández’s rapid ascent on SNL, his relationship with Batlle Cabral adds another layer to the comedian’s story. At just 28, he’s balancing a high-profile career, viral skits, and a private but evidently supportive partnership. Meanwhile, Batlle Cabral continues to forge her own path in the world of architecture and design, with a resume that’s as impressive as her partner’s comedic chops.

In the end, the rumors swirling around Hernández and Carpenter may have been entertaining, but the reality is both more ordinary and, in its own way, more inspiring. Two talented people, brought together by work and circumstance, have found their own paths—one in comedy, the other in design—and managed to keep their personal lives grounded amid the noise of fame.

As the dust settles on the speculation, Hernández’s message is clear: he values his relationship with Batlle Cabral above all else, and he’s happy to let the world know it—on his own terms.