In December 2023, actor Jonathan Majors made headlines as he left the criminal courthouse in lower Manhattan, surrounded by a throng of news cameras. Following a highly publicized trial, Majors learned he was convicted of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment involving his ex-girlfriend, British dancer Grace Jabbari. As he settled into the back of a black Chevy Suburban, a member of his legal team delivered devastating news: “They fired you. Marvel fired you.”
Before his arrest in March, Majors was on the brink of stardom, having just starred in the Warner Bros. box office success Creed III, and the Marvel blockbuster Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He even received an Emmy nomination for his role in the HBO series Lovecraft Country. Positioned as the new villain, Kang the Conqueror, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Majors was set to lead the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and was the focus of an Oscar campaign for his performance in the indie film Magazine Dreams, produced by Disney’s specialty studio, Searchlight Pictures.
However, following the jury's decision that Majors was responsible for injuring Jabbari, including a cut behind her ear and a fractured finger, his career prospects dimmed. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to complete a 52-week domestic violence intervention program. Additionally, he faced further professional setbacks as he was dropped by his manager, Entertainment 360, and his publicity firm, The Lede Company.
In a candid interview following his sentencing, Majors, now 35, reflected on the emotional turmoil of the trial. “There were days when it was like, ‘Is this real?’” he shared. “It’s a heartbreak like I’ve never experienced and it just compounded and compounded.” His story has triggered mixed responses, from anger among survivors of domestic violence to support from friends and colleagues. As Majors prepares for the release of Magazine Dreams on March 21, he has begun to confront his past, including childhood trauma that he attributes to his current struggles.
While Majors is unable to discuss the specifics of Jabbari’s allegations due to a civil suit settlement, he acknowledges the need for accountability in his life. “At some point, there has to be accountability for writing your own story,” he states. “Have a struggle, learn, metabolize, grow.” This approach signifies his commitment to personal development as he navigates life after the trial.
The question of whether Hollywood will welcome Majors back remains uncertain, and much of that will depend on the audience's reception of Magazine Dreams. High-profile supporters, including actress Whoopi Goldberg, have publicly advocated for him, emphasizing the importance of due process. “He was arrested. He went to court. He did what he was supposed to do. I’m not sure what else there is,” she stated. Similarly, director and co-star of Creed III, Michael B. Jordan, expressed eagerness to collaborate with Majors again, highlighting the actor’s talent and potential for redemption.
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Maura Hooper, one of Majors' ex-girlfriends who testified against him, remains skeptical about his ability to change. She questions the effectiveness of his domestic violence course and whether true redemption is possible for him. “I don’t really care that his movie is coming out,” she says. “What do you get at the end of a 52-week domestic violence course? Do the victims get a debrief?”
Majors’ upbringing in a challenging environment outside Dallas shaped his identity. Raised by a mother who was a pastor, he faced difficulties after his father, a classical pianist, left when he was just eight years old. Majors attributes some of his struggles to childhood sexual abuse, which he asserts has had a profound impact on his adult life. “I dealt with sexual abuse from both men and women from the time I was 9,” he revealed. “I was fucked up.” His journey through therapy and reconnecting with his faith has allowed him to begin unpacking these traumatic experiences.
Majors excelled in sports and academics, eventually discovering a passion for acting. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and later a Master of Fine Arts from Yale Drama. His breakout role came in the miniseries When We Rise, where he worked alongside Goldberg. Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, the quality of Majors’ performances has garnered critical acclaim. Notably, even in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, one of the lowest-rated entries in the Marvel franchise, critics highlighted his compelling portrayal.
The events leading to Majors' arrest unfolded one night in March 2023 after a dinner outing with Jabbari. An altercation ensued when Jabbari attempted to access Majors' phone, leading to her alleging that he physically assaulted her. Testimony during the trial revealed a tumultuous relationship marked by emotional and physical strife, with both parties exhibiting contentious behavior. Ultimately, the jury convicted Majors on two counts, indicating a belief that he caused Jabbari’s injuries, albeit without malicious intent.
Post-trial, Majors’ physical fitness remains a hallmark of his career. He is currently developing an online wellness platform and plans to expand into the clothing and supplement business, showcasing his commitment to health and self-improvement. As he navigates the uncertain waters of his acting career, he remains hopeful about future opportunities, including a potential superhero film and an independent thriller titled Merciless.
As Magazine Dreams prepares for its theatrical release, industry insiders are closely watching Majors’ trajectory. With his past haunting him and the weight of public scrutiny, the actor is determined to forge a new path while learning from his past mistakes. “I’m still learning,” he says, reflecting on his journey. “I would tell them I’m still learning, and I would thank them for participating in my growth.”
