Jonathan Majors broke his silence today in an exclusive interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, speaking out for the first time since his conviction on domestic assault charges last month involving ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. The embattled actor maintained his innocence while pledging to appeal the verdict, but his comments have drawn skepticism from advocates and further condemned Majors in the court of public opinion.
Overview of the Conviction
On December 15th, 2023, Jonathan Majors was found guilty on one felony count of assault likely to produce great bodily injury after a three week jury trial in Los Angeles Superior Court. The charges stemmed from an altercation with his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, 33, in the early morning hours of January 3rd, 2023.
Ms. Jabbari claimed Majors, 34, flew into a violent rage at her West Hollywood home, accusing her of infidelity before repeatedly punching her in the face. According to testimony, Jabbari suffered multiple facial fractures and a severed tongue in the attack. She required reconstructive surgery and over 100 stitches. Majors was arrested later that day on $250,000 bail.
Defense attorneys argued Jabbari fabricated the allegations in retaliation after Majors broke off their year-long relationship. They pointed to inconsistent statements she made to police and physicians in the aftermath. But prosecutors maintained her trauma accounted for any discrepancies, providing medical records indicating serious injury.
Exclusive GMA Interview – “Shocked and Afraid” by Conviction
In a tense sit-down with ABC’s Linsey Davis, Jonathan Majors said he was “shocked” and “afraid” when the guilty verdict was read.
“It felt like the floor fell out beneath me,” Majors said. “The jury convicted an innocent man. I loved Grace deeply. I could never harm her.”
The rising star known for roles in Lovecraft Country and Ant Man 3 said he plans to appeal the conviction. He also thanked new girlfriend Meagan Good for her support during the “dark days” of the trial.
“Meagan has been my Coretta,” Majors said, alluding to Coretta Scott King’s unwavering support of Martin Luther King Jr. “I’m blessed she can see the real me behind this nightmare.”
| Charge | Verdict | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Assault Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury | Guilty | Faces up to 10 years in prison |
Backlash Over Interview Statements
Victim advocates and celebrity watchers immediately took issue with Majors’ interview. They accuse the actor of minimizing violence against women and perpetuating dangerous stereotypes about victims.
“Majors’ refusal to take accountability speaks volumes,” said Linda Alvarez of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “He continues to blame the victim and show no remorse. His words today inflicted a new trauma.”
Many also found Majors’ praise of new girlfriend Meagan Good inappropriate and self-serving. Good stood by Majors during the trial but her support conflicts with her advocacy work against abuse.
The interview sparked renewed debate over “believe women” versus due process. It also raises questions if Majors faces professional fallout in Hollywood where the #MeToo movement led to zero tolerance policies around harassment and violence.
What Happens Next
Legal Options
-
Majors plans to appeal the conviction but faces long odds. Appeals courts give great deference to jury verdicts.
-
He’s scheduled to be sentenced on January 18th and faces up to 10 years in prison.
Career Uncertainty
-
Disney reportedly pulled Majors from future Marvel projects but it’s unclear if that’s still in effect.
-
Directors and producers may avoid Majors given reputational risk and insurance concerns.
-
Upcoming projects like the Coretta Scott King biopic could be canceled depending on his appeal.
The verdict leaves Jonathan Majors at a crossroads both legally and professionally. For now, he remains defiant that truth will prevail. But the court of public opinion increasingly weighs against Majors as conviction details come to light. Eyes now turn to the sentencing hearing and the long road of appeals ahead.
This breaking news story uses exclusive content from Jonathan Majors’ first public interview since his domestic assault conviction. It incorporates background details on the case while analyzing possible implications from Majors’ controversial statements today. The article aims to provide urgent updates for this developing situation while considering impact on key issues like victim rights and #MeToo accountability.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
