Jonathan Majors, the previous Marvel star who was convicted in December of assaulting his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari earlier that 12 months, tearfully addressed the incident Friday whereas accepting the so-called “Perseverance Award” on the Hollywood Unlocked Impression Awards.
“I reckon folks want to know about last year,” Majors mentioned 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 on the fourth annual ceremony nonetheless cried onstage within the arms of his girlfriend Meagan Good. Majors, who was destined for stardom after Marvel solid him as an “Avengers” villain in 2020, noticed the supply rescinded after his conviction.
“We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or supervillains,” he mentioned 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 responsible, was convicted in December on misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree harassment expenses.
The actor was sentenced in April to 12 months in a home violence intervention program.
Robin L Marshall through Getty Photographs
The Beverly Hilton Lodge crowd listened in silence as Majors shared that his “faith has been tested and has been strengthened by this testimony” and mentioned that residing in “pitch black” taught him the way to “run as hard” as doable when “a glimpse of light” reveals itself.
Majors notably thanked a number of Black leisure icons in his speech, together with Whoopi Goldberg, Tyler Perry and Will Smith — whose personal religion was seemingly examined earlier than he slapped Chris Rock onstage on the 2022 Oscars — and concluded with a promise.
“I received this award not just as an acknowledgement that I have persevered,” mentioned Majors, “but as a command to be there for others and to help them when and if their trials come.”
Need assistance? Within the U.S., name 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline.
