Actor Jonathan Majors was spared prison time on Monday, receiving probation for assaulting his ex-girlfriend in a high-profile case that has significantly impacted his career.
He, known for his roles in films like Creed III, faced a potential one-year sentence after being found guilty of misdemeanor assault by a Manhattan jury in December.
The verdict led to immediate repercussions for Majors, as Marvel Studios dropped him from their roster. Majors had been cast as Kang the Conqueror, a pivotal role anticipated to elevate his status in Hollywood significantly.
The conviction stems from a March 2023 incident where Majors allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, in a chauffeured car. Jabbari accused Majors of striking her head, twisting her arm, and fracturing her finger.
In a tearful address to the court, Jabbari expressed her frustration, stating that Majors refuses to acknowledge his guilt and poses a continued danger to others.
“He’s not sorry. He has not accepted responsibility,” she asserted. “He will do this again and he will hurt other women. He believes he is above the law.”
Jabbari recounted how Majors had manipulated her into believing they were in a loving relationship.
However, she revealed that he isolated her from the outside world and severed her ties with family and friends.
“I was so emotionally dependent on him,” she said. “I became a different person around him – small, scared and vulnerable.”
Majors countered the accusations by asserting that the 31-year-old British dancer was the instigator, claiming she flew into a jealous rage after discovering a text message from another woman on his phone.
He maintained that his actions were solely aimed at retrieving his phone and safely exiting the situation with Jabbari.
The jury’s decision resulted in Majors being convicted of one assault charge and a harassment violation. However, he was acquitted of a separate assault charge and aggravated harassment.
The fate of the character Kang in future Marvel films remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the role will be recast or if the studio will abandon projects centered around the character altogether.
Majors’ rise in Hollywood began with notable roles in “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” followed by appearances in acclaimed projects such as “Lovecraft Country,” “The Harder They Fall,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “Creed III.”
Accompanied by his girlfriend, actor Meagan Good, Jonathan Majors appeared in court wearing all black but opted not to address the court or engage with reporters.
His lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, stated that Majors is dedicated to personal growth and intends to approach the court-mandated programs with sincerity, despite maintaining his innocence and planning to appeal the verdict.
“He’s lost his whole career,” Chaudhry said in court.
