Taylor Swift calls Dakota Johnson ‘unfiltered’: Here’s all about her bold choices that are turning heads in 2026

Taylor Swift has offered a rare look into her friendship with Dakota Johnson through a published essay in Time. The tribute coincides with Johnson being named among the publication’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026.

In the essay, Swift reflects on her personal connection with Johnson and describes her as genuine. She states, “As her friend, I can vouch for her realness.” The comments provide a direct account of how Swift perceives Johnson beyond her public image.

Swift highlights several qualities she has observed in Johnson over time. Along with authenticity, she points to her empathetic nature. She notes, “She’s also one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever known,” emphasizing that Johnson’s sensitivity stands out in her interactions.

Another aspect Swift underlines is Johnson’s straightforward communication style. She describes it as “refreshing honesty in a world of media-trained answers.” Swift adds that Johnson’s way of speaking, described as calm and direct, gives the impression that she may not be capable of being anything but truthful.

She writes, “Maybe it’s her sing-song vocal delivery, serenely answering questions with such frank candor it makes you feel like maybe this girl just..can’t lie?!” This observation reflects Swift’s view of Johnson’s natural and unfiltered approach.

Swift also points to Johnson’s curiosity about others as a defining trait. She notes that Johnson consistently engages people by asking questions about their lives, showing a strong interest in understanding different experiences. According to Swift, this curiosity appears to be ongoing and central to Johnson’s personality.

In addition, Swift highlights Johnson’s readiness to challenge herself. She refers to Johnson taking on new and ambitious steps, including launching her production company, TeaTime Pictures. This move is presented as part of Johnson’s effort to expand her creative scope.

Swift further observes that Johnson continues to explore complex relationship dynamics in her work, referencing projects such as Materialists and Splitsville. These choices reflect a consistent interest in layered storytelling.

The essay also reflects a long-standing friendship between Swift and Johnson, which has lasted for about a decade. Despite being well-known public figures, they have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight.

They have occasionally been seen together in social settings alongside others, including Suki Waterhouse, Zoë Kravitz, and Cara Delevingne. These appearances have offered limited glimpses into their friendship.

Toward the conclusion of the tribute, Swift acknowledges Johnson’s work both in front of and behind the camera. She states that Johnson’s consistent honesty contributes to storytelling that feels genuine and enduring.

Swift writes that Johnson’s presence on screen and her involvement in creative processes reflect a commitment to authenticity. She concludes by noting that this quality shapes Johnson’s artistic output and defines her evolving career.

Taylor Swift’s tribute highlights Dakota Johnson’s honesty, empathy, curiosity, and creative risks, offering insight into their enduring and private friendship.