Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin, who have been together for nearly eight years, have reportedly called it quits, and sources are revealing the possible reasons behind their split. The couple, who started dating in 2017 and sparked engagement rumors in 2020, apparently broke up earlier this month.
One of the primary reasons for the breakup seems to be Dakota's desire to get married, while Chris was allegedly "dragging his feet" on setting a wedding date. A source told Page Six that Dakota was "sick of him dragging his feet on setting a date for the wedding".
Another significant factor was their differing views on having children. Sources suggest that Dakota, 35, was ready for the next phase of her life, which might include having kids. On the other hand, Chris, 48, already has two teenage children with his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow and was less inclined to have more. An insider told The Mirror, "They broke up over Chris Martin not wanting to have more kids". A source previously told The Sun that "They really tried to work through their issues but the age gap was often a problem. She'd [also] expressed that she may want children in the future, whereas Chris is kind of done with that part of his life".
Furthermore, there are reports suggesting that Chris's behavior became "too controlling and dependent" on Dakota. An insider revealed to RadarOnline that Dakota "loved Chris... but he became way too controlling and dependent on her in the end". The source added, "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". It was also mentioned that "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".
Despite the split, the couple seemed to be on good terms recently. Chris gave Dakota a subtle shout-out at the end of a Coldplay concert in Las Vegas, saying, "Thank you so much, everybody. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. Don't forget to see Materialists. We love you," referencing Dakota's new movie.
Dakota's friends are reportedly supportive of the breakup, with one insider saying, "Dakota is getting her groove back now and looking up her old friends – many of whom Chris wouldn't tolerate for one reason or another – and they're cheering this split from the rooftops and so glad to have her back". However, they are also concerned that she might still have feelings for Chris and could potentially take him back.
In the wake of the breakup, Dakota is said to be focusing on self-rediscovery. She subtly declared her creative and physical autonomy by stating she's "always psyched for sex scenes" during an open discussion on Amy Poehler's podcast, "Good Hang".
Neither Dakota Johnson nor Chris Martin has officially commented on their split.