While filming Fifty Shades of Grey, rumors swirled about the chemistry—or lack thereof—between Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. But one thing most fans never knew? Their real-life interactions were tightly controlled… by contract.
According to a confidential source from the legal team, both lead actors were bound by a non-fraternization clause. In simple terms: they weren’t allowed to engage in any romantic or intimate behavior off-set.
The clause was reportedly inserted not because they had feelings—but because producers feared the appearance of a relationship. “It wasn’t about passion,” said the source. “It was about liability and image.”
Executives worried that if a relationship developed and later went sour, it could disrupt the films—or worse, lead to accusations and lawsuits. So, they decided to shut down the risk before it started.
Dakota and Jamie were reportedly “annoyed but amused.” Dakota joked in one interview that “Jamie is too clean-shaven to be my type anyway.”
Still, the clause had side effects. Some crew members said it created awkward tension between them—especially when fans speculated they were secretly dating.
Today, most fans believe their chemistry was strictly professional. But the fact that Universal saw fit to regulate it so tightly behind the scenes? That tells a story of its own.
