After nearly eight years of on-again, off-again romance, Fifty Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson has officially called it quits with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Sources close to the couple tell GLOBE Magazine the breakup came after Johnson finally had enough of what insiders call Martin’s “clingy and controlling” behavior.
The Materialists star, 35, is now enjoying single life and reconnecting with old friends—many of whom Martin allegedly tried to keep out of her life.
“He became too dependent on her,” a source close to the actress explained. “She loved him deeply, but toward the end, it felt like he couldn’t let her breathe. If she didn’t respond to his calls quickly enough, even if they were in the same city, he’d get upset.”
Johnson and Martin, 48, started dating in 2017 and kept their relationship largely private. But behind closed doors, things were tense. Martin, according to friends, preferred a quiet lifestyle and reportedly disapproved of Johnson’s desire to socialize or go out with others.
“She’s a very social and creative person,” one insider shared. “But Chris didn’t like her hanging out with friends and discouraged her from meeting with Hollywood filmmakers, which held back her career.”
Dakota reconnects with old friends
Now, insiders say Johnson is thriving. She has been spending time with longtime pals like Derek Blasberg and even Gwyneth Paltrow, Martin’s ex-wife. Sources say her circle is thrilled to have her back.
“She’s getting her groove back,” one friend noted. “Chris never liked many of her friends. But now that she’s free, they’re cheering her on. They’ve missed her energy and are happy she’s reclaiming her independence.”
While some close to Johnson worry she could eventually reconcile with Martin, they say she is adamant this breakup is final.
“She’s done for good,” the insider insisted. “She just couldn’t tolerate being with someone who didn’t allow her basic freedom.”
Friends glad Dakota is free
The latest development follows GLOBE’s April report that Martin’s intense desire for privacy may have stunted Johnson’s career in film. At the time, insiders expressed concern that the Coldplay frontman was keeping her from growing professionally.
Now, with the relationship officially over, Dakota is reportedly focusing on new projects and rekindling old friendships once stifled by Martin’s controlling tendencies.
As one source summed it up: “Dakota feels free again, and there’s no turning back.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.