What Ellen’s Body Language Said During Her Awkward Interview with Dakota Johnson

Celebrity interviews often appear polished on the surface, but sometimes there’s more going on beneath the smiles and rehearsed lines. A standout moment that’s still talked about occurred back in 2019 when Dakota Johnson appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and things quickly became uncomfortable.

Now, a body language expert has taken a closer look at that awkward interview, revealing what Ellen’s gestures indicated.

2019 was a significant year for pop culture, from Meghan and Harry welcoming baby Archie to Ariana Grande’s thank u, next, and the epic conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. However, in the world of daytime TV, Dakota Johnson’s visit to Ellen’s show provided fans with a moment that felt surprisingly real and raw.

The tension wasn’t planned; it surfaced naturally during the conversation. What stood out most was the way Ellen seemed off balance when the topic of Dakota’s 30th birthday came up.

While Dakota was calm and clear about the invitation situation, pointing out that Ellen was invited but didn’t attend, Ellen’s responses felt less confident. This exchange wasn’t just awkward; it hinted at a larger discomfort behind the scenes.

Cosmopolitan brought in body language expert Blanca Cobb to analyze the moment in detail. According to Cobb, Ellen’s posture revealed her unease almost immediately.

She noticed how Ellen crossed her right leg over her left, creating a sort of barrier between herself and Dakota. It was more than just sitting comfortably; it was as if she was subconsciously putting up a shield.

The former talk show host was said to be using 'self-soothing' techniques.

Cobb also observed Ellen rubbing her fingers along the armrest or on her leg, a classic sign of self-soothing. This small but telling gesture indicates someone trying to calm themselves in a tense situation. Combined with her closed-off posture, it painted a clear picture: Ellen was uncomfortable, perhaps even a bit defensive.

Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson handled the situation with surprising poise. Reports say her Malibu birthday party included big names like Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miley Cyrus, Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., and even her mother, Melanie Griffith. So while Ellen missed out, Dakota’s celebration was anything but low-key.

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Since then, Ellen’s life has changed significantly. After allegations about a toxic work environment surfaced, she stepped down from her long-running talk show in 2022. She has now relocated to the UK with her wife, Portia de Rossi, living quietly somewhere in the Cotswolds, far from the Hollywood spotlight.

Body language experts emphasize that non-verbal cues, like gestures and facial expressions, can reveal underlying emotions, often more than spoken words. Janine Driver, a leading body language expert, notes that discomfort can manifest through crossed arms, lack of eye contact, or fidgeting. In the case of Ellen DeGeneres during her interview with Dakota Johnson, her body language indicated defensiveness and surprise, revealing the tension in their exchange.

Understanding these signals can help individuals become more aware of their own non-verbal communication. Practicing mindfulness in social situations allows for better emotional regulation and improved interactions.

"This is so awkward."

Johnson didn’t hold back when calling out Ellen on her show.

Dakota Johnson appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show right before Thanksgiving, and it didn’t take long for things to get weird. Ellen opened the chat by asking about Dakota’s 30th birthday party, but it wasn’t the usual “Who came? What did you wear?” conversation. Instead, Ellen kicked it off with:

“How was the party? I wasn’t invited.”

Without even blinking, Dakota corrected her:

“Actually, that’s not the truth, Ellen. You were invited. Last time I was on the show, you gave me a bunch of sh*t about not inviting you, but I didn’t even know you wanted to be invited.”

Ellen tried to smooth it over, saying something like,

“Who wouldn’t want to be invited to a party?”

But Dakota wasn’t done.

“I didn’t even think you liked me,” she replied, deadpan.

From there, it only became more awkward. Ellen insisted she did like her, and Johnson, clearly not convinced, said:

“Ask everybody. Ask Jonathan, your producer.”

The clip went viral almost immediately. Fans loved how calm and direct Johnson was, while many were stunned to see Ellen, usually the one in control, visibly flustered.

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That moment between Ellen and Dakota continues to capture attention, especially as experts like Cobb break down the subtle cues that reveal what was going on beneath the surface.

It proves that no matter how polished or carefully produced a TV interview might be, genuine emotions can’t be completely hidden. Those unfiltered reactions often carry more weight than any prepared script, reminding us that real feelings always find a way to come through.

Dr. Paul Ekman, a renowned psychologist known for his work on emotions and facial expressions, highlights how authentic communication is crucial during interviews. He suggests that a genuine connection can be fostered through active listening and empathy. In the awkward Ellen and Dakota exchange, viewers sensed a breakdown in this connection.

To improve future interview dynamics, experts recommend practicing open-ended questions that invite deeper discussion. Additionally, maintaining an open posture can create a more welcoming atmosphere, making both parties feel comfortable and engaged.

Therapeutic Insights & Recovery

In analyzing the awkward moments between Ellen DeGeneres and Dakota Johnson, we see the profound impact of body language and emotional intelligence in communication. Experts highlight that understanding both verbal and non-verbal cues can lead to more meaningful interactions. As Dr. Daniel Goleman, an authority on emotional intelligence, emphasizes, cultivating these skills not only enhances personal relationships but can also significantly improve professional dynamics.

By applying techniques such as active listening and empathetic engagement, individuals can foster an environment where open dialogue thrives, reducing misunderstandings and discomfort in future conversations.