Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, is reportedly dating actress Sophie Turner, but sources indicate he remains emotionally attached to his former partner, Dakota Johnson. Following their breakup in June 2023 after nearly eight years together, insiders suggest Martin is finding it challenging to fully move on from Johnson.
Understanding the Breakup
Martin and Johnson’s relationship began in 2017, characterized by a low profile and minimal public appearances. Insiders describe their bond as deeply affectionate, making their recent split particularly tough for Martin. A source revealed, “There’s a real sadness when he speaks about Dakota because he has a lot of regret. For years, he called her the love of his life.” The split was reportedly mutual, but it left Martin heartbroken.
Since the separation, Martin has been seen with Turner, who finalized her divorce from Joe Jonas earlier in the year. Their outings, which began in late September, have sparked speculation about a romantic relationship. However, friends of Martin express concerns that his heart may still be with Johnson. “Chris is making the best of it and enjoying these dates with Sophie,” a source explained, “but it’s painfully obvious he’s still hung up on Dakota.”
Factors Behind Dakota Johnson’s Decision
Those familiar with the situation indicate that Johnson was the one to end the relationship, aiming to break a cycle of emotional turmoil. Insiders noted that her desire for independence and a more stable emotional environment played significant roles in her decision. “Chris did not want things to end with Dakota — he’s tried several times to lure her back,” one source claimed. “But Dakota was determined to break the pattern that had gotten pretty toxic by the end.”
A major point of contention was Martin’s hesitance to commit to marriage, which reportedly frustrated Johnson. “He kept dangling that carrot and never following through,” the insider added, highlighting a critical factor in their relationship dynamics. Additionally, lifestyle differences and frequent arguments contributed to the strain, with sources stating that “Dakota felt very crowded and needed to get away from him to re-establish her independence.”
While Johnson, now 36, focuses on her career, including her production company, TeaTime Pictures, Martin appears to be balancing his world tour with moments of personal reflection. Friends describe him as nostalgic about his past with Johnson, even as he explores new relationships. “He’s always been someone who feels things deeply,” a friend shared.
Looking to the Future
As Martin navigates his new connection with Turner, he reportedly aims to maintain a friendly relationship with Johnson. Friends suggest that any future romance will inevitably be compared to his lengthy relationship with Johnson. “Dakota was his anchor for so long,” one source noted. “Even if he moves on publicly, emotionally he’s still processing the loss.”
Neither Martin nor Johnson has publicly commented on their breakup or the reports concerning Turner. Both continue to prioritize their careers, with Martin focused on Coldplay’s upcoming tour and Johnson preparing for multiple film releases set for 2026. Fans of the former couple remain hopeful for a potential reconciliation, with one social media user reflecting, “Some love stories just never really end.”
