Jonathan Majors, the former Marvel star who was convicted in December of assaulting his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari earlier that year, tearfully addressed the incident Friday while accepting the so-called “Perseverance Award” at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards.
“I reckon folks want to know about last year,” Majors said onstage. “As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger. I felt sadness, hurt, surprise. When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like all that. I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors.”
“I felt like a little scared, weak boy,” he added. “Despite the support and the evidence that was in my favor, I knew shit was bad. And it was bad because of who I was and what I am. And this is what happens to Black people all too often … That’s a harsh reality I learned.”
The predeclared winner at the fourth annual ceremony nonetheless cried onstage in the arms of his girlfriend Meagan Good. Majors, who was destined for stardom after Marvel cast him as an “Avengers” villain in 2020, saw the offer rescinded after his conviction.
“We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or supervillains,” he said Friday. “But I’ve come to realize, me personally, I ain’t none of that. I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings, I acknowledge them. I love my craft.”
The 34-year-old was charged in March 2023 with assault, strangulation and harassment after an altercation with Jabbari. Majors, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted in December on misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree harassment charges.
The actor was sentenced in April to 12 months in a domestic violence intervention program.
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The Beverly Hilton Hotel crowd listened in silence as Majors shared that his “faith has been tested and has been strengthened by this testimony” and said that living in “pitch black” taught him how to “run as hard” as possible when “a glimpse of light” reveals itself.
Majors notably thanked several Black entertainment icons in his speech, including Whoopi Goldberg, Tyler Perry and Will Smith — whose own faith was seemingly tested before he slapped Chris Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars — and concluded with a promise.
“I received this award not just as an acknowledgement that I have persevered,” said Majors, “but as a command to be there for others and to help them when and if their trials come.”
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
