Jonathan Majors, known for his roles in Marvel’s “Creed III” and other films, has received a year-long counselling programme order after being convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
This incident has significantly impacted Majors’ once-promising career trajectory.
Facing a potential one-year jail sentence, Majors, 34, was found guilty of misdemeanour assault by a Manhattan jury in December, leading to his recent sentencing.
However, Judge Michael Gaffey opted for a conditional discharge, considering the agreement from both parties that jail time wasn’t warranted. This decision mandates Majors to complete a 52-week in-person batterer’s intervention programme in Los Angeles, where he resides, in addition to ongoing mental health therapy.
Violating these terms could result in a year-long jail term for Majors, alongside a no-contact order with his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
During the sentencing, Majors, dressed in black and accompanied by his girlfriend, Meagan Good, refrained from addressing the court or reporters. His lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, expressed Majors’ intent to abide by the court’s decision while maintaining innocence and planning to appeal.
Chaudhry noted the profound impact on Majors’ career, stating that this has been exceptionally challenging.
In contrast, Grace Jabbari, visibly emotional, voiced concerns about Major’s lack of remorse and the potential danger he poses to others, alleging that he remains unrepentant and views himself above the law.
Following his conviction, Marvel Studios swiftly cut ties with Majors, dropping him from the role of Kang the Conqueror, a pivotal villainous character in their cinematic universe.
The conviction stemmed from a March 2023 altercation where Jabbari accused Majors of assault in a chauffeured car, alleging he hit her head, twisted her arm, and fractured her finger.
Majors countered, portraying Jabbari as the aggressor, driven by jealousy after discovering a text message on his phone from another woman. He claimed his actions were self-defence, such as retrieving his cell phone and ensuring Jabbari’s safety.
While convicted of one assault charge and a harassment violation, Majors was acquitted of other assault and aggravated harassment charges.
Initially scheduled for sentencing in February, legal motions have delayed the process, with Majors hoping for dismissal or vindication.
Despite his hopes for amnesty, the guilty verdict has had far-reaching consequences in his professional life and ongoing civil legal battles with Jabbari.
Jabbari’s civil suit, filed recently in Manhattan federal court, accuses Majors of assault, battery, defamation, and emotional distress stemming from their tumultuous relationship.
Their initial meeting on the set of Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2021 led to a turbulent association marred by abuse allegations.
As the legal drama unfolds, Majors’ legal team plans to counter Jabbari’s claims, positioning for a protracted legal battle ahead.
Majors’ career trajectory, from breakout roles like “The Last Black Man In San Francisco” to acclaimed series like HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” has encountered significant turbulence.
For Marvel Studios, the departure of Majors raises questions about the future portrayal of Kang the Conqueror and potential pivots in their cinematic narratives amid a series of recent setbacks in their expansive superhero franchise.
