Dakota Johnson breakup with Chris Martin has drawn significant attention after reports revealed the relationship ended because of controlling and dependent behavior from the Coldplay frontman. The couple, who were together for nearly eight years, reportedly broke up when Johnson could no longer tolerate Martin’s actions that isolated her from loved ones and limited her professional connections.
According to sources close to Dakota Johnson, the decision to end the engagement followed a pattern of suffocating behavior by Chris Martin. Friends said that Martin’s desire to remain home and reluctance to let Johnson socialize with others became a persistent issue, leaving Johnson feeling stifled in both her personal and professional life. Insiders detailed that Martin would easily become upset if Johnson was not readily available or if she spent time away from him, even within the same city.
Dakota loved Chris. She still does, but he became way too controlling and dependent on her in the end, It became suffocating and unbearable to live with. If she went away or wasn’t answering his calls for any length of time, he’d fly off the handle even when they were in the same city. He was also a sourpuss who didn’t approve of her going out with friends, and preferred to stay in all the time instead of enjoying a social life.
—Anonymous source, via RadarOnline.com
Concerns about Martin’s alleged influence extended to Johnson’s work life, with claims that he discouraged her from meeting with Hollywood filmmakers and pursuing new acting opportunities. Friends say this caused further strain and contributed to the decision to end the engagement. Following the breakup, Dakota Johnson reportedly began reconnecting with friends she was previously kept away from, with those close to her expressing strong support for her new direction.
Dakota Johnson’s Life After the Split
Despite public speculation, Dakota Johnson has reportedly emerged from the breakup in a positive state. The Materialists star, now 35, is said to be thriving both personally and professionally just weeks after ending things with Chris Martin. Rather than viewing the end of the relationship as a setback, those within her circle indicate that Johnson sees this new chapter as an opportunity to live more intentionally and embrace her creative endeavors.
Dakota’s doing well. The split wasn’t exactly a shock. She wants to live her life very intentionally she doesn’t want to have any regrets, She loves all her creative projects and is excited about her career. She believes there is more to life than work though. She wants a meaningful life on all levels.
—Anonymous source, via People
The breakup, though making headlines, came as little surprise to those familiar with the couple’s history. Over the years, Johnson and Martin faced ongoing challenges that repeatedly surfaced and were never fully resolved. A public appearance together in Malibu on May 16 preceded the official confirmation in June that the relationship was over. Since then, Dakota Johnson has been rebuilding her social networks and focusing on her career, aiming for a meaningful balance between work and personal fulfillment.
Friends report that Johnson has embraced a renewed sense of freedom and independence. The end of this significant chapter in her life has allowed her to explore new opportunities and prioritize her well-being, with supporters believing she is entering a period of personal growth.
A Look Back at Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin’s Relationship
The romance between Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin began in October 2017, when the pair were spotted together during a dinner in Los Angeles. Their relationship quickly attracted attention but remained largely private, with few public moments and almost no social media presence. By early 2018, their frequent outings together established them as a couple, who nonetheless chose to keep much of their connection away from public view.
Johnson’s parents reportedly approved of Chris Martin early on, and the couple shared occasional rare insights into their happiness. By 2020, Martin and Johnson were living together in Malibu, marking a new stage of commitment. In 2021, Martin signaled his affection during a Coldplay concert by dedicating a song to Johnson, and not long after, fans noticed an emerald ring on her finger. The pair eventually became engaged, though they continued to keep details surrounding the proposal and their private life mostly under wraps.
Like many long relationships, Johnson and Martin’s time together included both highlights and challenges. At least one previous breakup was followed by reconciliation, but ongoing disagreements and tension reportedly persisted. By June 2025, however, sources indicated that the split this time is final, marking the end of a nearly eight-year partnership.
The separation between Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin not only closes a significant chapter for both but also reflects longstanding issues that finally became insurmountable. As Johnson moves forward with the support of friends and new professional ambitions, her experience underscores the complexities that can accompany long-term relationships in the public eye. The future will likely see Johnson pursuing a broader range of projects and experiences, demonstrating her resolve to craft a purposeful and fulfilling life post-breakup.
