In a viral podcast moment, Marcello Hernández deflected Dax Shepard‘s playful push to date Sabrina Carpenter, revealing he’s in a serious relationship with architect Ana Batlle
The internet loves a good celebrity ship, but Marcello Hernández is drawing a firm line. During a recent appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the Saturday Night Live comedian was put on the spot by his host, who admitted to being “newly obsessed with” the 26-year-old pop star thanks to his daughter.
“If I’m you again and I’m 28, I’m going to try to date her with all my might. Are you not trying your hardest to marry her?” Shepard, 51, asked point-blank. The question, while playful, touched on a topic that has fueled fan speculation given the on-screen chemistry between Hernández and Sabrina Carpenter, who has guest-starred on his recurring “Domingo” sketches.
Hernández, however, was quick to clarify his relationship status, putting the dating rumors to rest once and for all. “I’m in a relationship,” he stated. “Yeah, I’m in a relationship with a Dominican girl. She’s an architect. She’s unreal. She went to Yale.”
That “Dominican girl” is Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral, an architect whose credentials and relationship with the comedian have been confirmed by E!. The couple has been together for some time, making public appearances together, including a red carpet debut at the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere in July 2025, where their sweet romance was on full display.
The exchange on Shepard’s podcast highlights the unique dynamic between the SNL cast and its high-profile musical guests. Hernández and Carpenter have a well-established rapport, with the singer even “arresting” him in character during her Short n’ Sweet tour stop in Los Angeles in 2024. This professional chemistry, paired with Carpenter’s massive cultural impact, has naturally led to fan interest in their personal lives.
Despite his firm denial of any romantic interest, Hernández had nothing but praise for his frequent collaborator. “Sabrina’s really, like, she’s down, she’s down to clown. She’s down to think of something funny. She’s an actress,” he said. “Sabrina’s awesome and she’s really funny and cool. She’s great.”
This isn’t the first time Hernández has addressed rumors about his personal life. Earlier this month, he sparked other marriage rumors when he posted a black-and-white video on Instagram showing him suiting up in a tuxedo, popping champagne, and sharing a tender moment with his mother. However, the event was later revealed to be a clever promotional stunt for his new Netflix comedy special, Marcello Hernández: American Boy, which premiered on January 7.
The podcast appearance comes at a pivotal moment for Hernández, who is rapidly rising as one of SNL‘s breakout stars. His “Domingo” character, which gained significant traction after being set to Carpenter’s hit “Espresso,” has become a fan-favorite segment. By clarifying his relationship status, the comedian is reinforcing his public image as a grounded and committed individual, even as his star continues to ascend in the world of comedy.
The conversation on Shepard’s show also underscores the role of podcast hosts in shaping celebrity narratives. Shepard, who is married to Kristen Bell, has a history of playful probing with his guests, creating viral moments that often dominate entertainment news cycles. In this case, his question about Carpenter inadvertently highlighted the genuine affection and respect Hernández has for his colleagues while simultaneously drawing a clear boundary around his own personal life.
For fans of SNL and pop culture, the takeaway is clear: while the chemistry between Marcello Hernández and Sabrina Carpenter is undeniable on screen, the comedian’s heart belongs to someone else. His candid response not only shuts down speculation but also offers a glimpse into his personal values, making him an even more relatable figure in the often-glamorous world of Hollywood.
Watch Hernández’s full interview on the Armchair Expert podcast below.
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