Joe Keery and Sabrina Carpenter Spark Dating Rumours at ACL Festival

Rumours are swirling around whether actor Joe Keery and singer Sabrina Carpenter are dating following a playful interaction during the Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival on October 4, 2025. The speculation ignited after Carpenter’s skit, in which she mockingly ‘arrested’ Keery, went viral. This moment, combined with the pair’s recent social media activity, has led to widespread discussion among fans.

During her performance at ACL, Carpenter included Keery in her ongoing ‘cuffing season’ segment. In this humorous routine, she pretends to handcuff a guest before launching into her popular song “Juno.” The festival crowd cheered as Carpenter playfully remarked to Keery, “Joe, it’s actually cuffing season… you seem very eager,” before placing the handcuffs on him. Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things and his music career under the name Djo, enthusiastically engaged with the audience, enhancing the playful atmosphere.

Videos of this interaction quickly gained traction across various social media platforms, including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, amassing millions of views. While fans interpreted this exchange as evidence of budding romance, industry insiders clarified that the segment was a scripted part of Carpenter’s show rather than an unscripted moment.

Following the performance, both Keery and Carpenter began following each other on Instagram, further fueling dating speculation. Social media discussions exploded with fan theories suggesting a romantic connection, with many pointing to their evident chemistry on stage as a sign of deeper feelings.

Despite the buzz, neither Keery nor Carpenter has publicly addressed the dating rumours. The entertainment industry has noted that their ACL interaction was a playful skit and not indicative of an actual relationship. According to a report by Decider, the ‘arrest’ was a planned element of Carpenter’s performance.

Examining their relationship histories provides additional context. Joe Keery, 33, has maintained a relatively private personal life, having previously dated actress Maika Monroe. The couple reportedly ended their long-term relationship in 2023. On the other hand, 26-year-old Sabrina Carpenter has been linked to several high-profile figures. She was previously in a relationship with Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, but reports suggest they parted ways in late 2024. Since then, Carpenter has not confirmed any new romantic involvements.

As the conversation around Keery and Carpenter continues, fans are reminded that without an official statement from either party, it is prudent to approach the dating speculation with caution. For now, all indications suggest that their interaction at ACL was simply a light-hearted performance rather than the start of a new romance.