Dakota Johnson and singer Role Model have seemingly confirmed their romantic relationship after being photographed holding hands during a cozy dinner date in Los Angeles, putting an end to weeks of speculation about their status.
The actress, 36, and the musician, 28, were spotted on Thursday, January 23, leaving Saffy’s, a Middle-Eastern restaurant in East Hollywood, where they had dined with a friend. Photographs captured the pair smiling and engaging in deep conversation before they were seen holding hands as they bundled up in trench coats against the evening chill. This public display of affection marks the first time they have been pictured hand-in-hand, solidifying rumors that have been circulating since late last year.
For the outing, Johnson opted for a chic all-black ensemble, wearing a lacy tank top with trousers and a trench coat, complemented by a cheetah-print purse. Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury, kept it casual in a dark gray waffle-knit sweater, black jeans, and a scarf. The low-key yet intimate setting allowed the couple to enjoy each other’s company away from the spotlight, though their connection was evident to onlookers.
Rumors of a romance between Johnson and Role Model first emerged in December 2025, when they were photographed enjoying a candlelight dinner with friends in Los Angeles. An insider told TMZ at the time that the pair “got very close,” fueling speculation. They were seen together again on January 14 at Marvin, a celebrity hotspot in Beverly Hills, further hinting at a budding relationship. These repeated sightings, coupled with the latest hand-holding incident, suggest that their connection has grown stronger over the past month.
Johnson’s new romance comes six months after she called off her engagement to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The pair had been together for about eight years, with their relationship described as on-and-off before finally ending in June 2025. Sources cited a 12-year age gap and differing desires about having children as key factors in the split. Johnson has remained private about the breakup, but insiders note that she appears “lighter and more at peace” since moving on.
On Role Model’s side, his most recent public relationship was with social media personality Emma Chamberlain. The two met in 2020 after he slid into her DMs and publicly confirmed their romance in early 2023, only to split by October of that year. Like Johnson, Role Model has kept details of his personal life under wraps, focusing instead on his music career.
Both stars have busy schedules ahead. Johnson is set to star in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “Verity,” scheduled for release in late 2026. Meanwhile, Role Model is preparing for a tour, with his first show in New Zealand on February 5, followed by dates in Europe throughout the summer. Their relationship is likely to face the challenges of balancing Hollywood and music industry demands, but for now, they seem to be enjoying their time together.
While neither Johnson nor Role Model have officially commented on their relationship, the consistent sightings and affectionate gestures speak volumes. As they navigate this new chapter, fans and media alike will be watching to see how their romance unfolds amidst their professional commitments.
