Sandra Lee & Boyfriend Ben Youcef ‘Really Having Fun’ Amid Engagement Rumors: Source

Amy Sussman / Getty Images; Michael Bezjian / WireImage Sandra Lee, Ben Youcef

Sandra Lee and Ben Youcef continue to spend time together.

Just over a week after PEOPLE confirmed the lifestyle icon’s relationship with the actor and producer, the couple sparked an engagement buzz after Lee, 55, was seen wearing a ring on this finger while kissing Youcef, 42, in Paris, according to photographs published by The New York Post.

However, a source told PEOPLE that any news regarding the state of their relationship is “just rumors.”

“They really like each other, but these are just rumors at the moment,” said the source.

RELATED: Sandra Lee Dating Ben Youcef Following Gov. Cuomo Breakup: They Are A ‘Good Match’, Says Source

As to how their relationship started, a source previously told PEOPLE that “they became friends when they met at a restaurant in Santa Monica in March.”

“Meeting during COVID was difficult,” the source added. “He quickly became her friend and her loving confidant.”

Youcef, 42, is a nonprofit interfaith leader and father of two. He separated from his wife in 2019, before filing for divorce in January 2020. “He seems to be a good partner as he has a deep understanding of all of Sandra’s worlds, from her professional life to her special focus on her. family and their commitment to philanthropy, ”the source said.

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Daniele Venturelli / Getty Sandra lee

Rumors about Lee’s relationship status come just days after her ex, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, stepped down on Tuesday. The announcement came following an explosive report by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who concluded that the governor “sexually harassed several women” and in so doing “violated federal and state laws “.

Lee and Cuomo were together for 14 years before announcing their split in September 2019.

“I think she needed someone completely different from Andrew,” a close friend of the chef told PEOPLE. “It took her two years for her to even consider going out again as she wanted to be sure that she could make herself happy and heal before bringing someone into her life.”