Jonathan Majors Addresses Assault Conviction During Awards Acceptance Speech: 'I've Seen Darkness in Myself'

Jonathan Majors says his faith has been both “tested” and “strengthened” by convictions for assault and harassment.

The actor — who is completing a 12-month court-ordered domestic violence intervention program as part of his sentence — addressed his legal troubles while accepting the Perseverance Award at the 2024 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on Friday, June 21.

Accepting the award on stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Majors, 34, said: “I think people want to know about this last year. As a black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger. I felt sadness, hurt, surprise.”

When they took me out of the apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like all that, he said. “I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors… I felt like a little scared, weak boy. Despite the support and evidence in my favor. I knew it was… bad. It was bad because of who I was and which I am.”

Jonathan Majors marks his first film role since his conviction for assault

Jonathan Majors with the Persistence Award at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards.

Arnold Turner/Getty

Later in his speech, Majors acknowledged his “flaws,” saying, “We live in a world where men, especially black men, are portrayed as either superheroes or super villains.”

“But I realized, myself, that I am none of those things,” he continued. “I’m imperfect. I have flaws, I admit them. I love my craft.”

The actor also said his “faith was tested and strengthened by this testimony,” adding, “I sat in that pitch black and what I learned is to catch a glimmer of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it.”

Jonathan Majors steps out with Meagan Good on the first major red carpet since his sentencing in April

Majors later thanked his family, his girlfriend Meagan Good and several stars – including Will Smith, Tyler Perry and Whoopi Goldberg – for their support.

Addressing Good, 42, directly, he said: “I love you with all my might, with all my heart,” adding: “You’ve carried me so, so, so, so many nights.”

Before the last round of thanks, Majors ended by saying: “I received this award not only as a recognition of my persistence, but as a command to be there for others and to help them win even if they come to trials.”

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The fourth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards was hosted by Tiffany Haddish. Designer Christian Louboutin received the Innovator Award, Fat Joe the Culture Award, and Cardi B the Inspiration Award.

When Hollywood Unlocked announced Majors as one of its honorees earlier in June, it said the Perseverance Award “is presented to an individual who has demonstrated that, no matter the adversity they face, they will continue to strive to inspire.”

The actor’s legal battle has been described as a “setback” for Majors, who maintains his innocence and says he remains “determined to regain the respect of his colleagues and the industry.”

Jonathan Majors at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards.

Arnold Turner/Getty

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In December, a jury found Majors guilty of one count of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of second-degree harassment in connection with an altercation with then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in 2023.

Jabbari, a 31-year-old British actress and dancer, testified as part of the trial, although Majors did not.

Majors, known for films like Belief III and Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, he recently filmed his first post-conviction film role: a revenge thriller titled Without mercy who directed Martin Villeneuve, brother Dune director Denis Villeneuve.

The actor has made several red carpet appearances since his conviction, including at the Frederick Douglass Awards in New York City on June 6. There he supported his girlfriend as she was honored as an honorary co-chair of the New York Urban League’s annual pageant. an event.

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Source: HIS Education