Jonathan Majors talks conviction in award speech referencing race

(NewsNation) — Actor Jonathan Majors, recently convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, received a “Perseverance Award” at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on Friday, sparking controversy.

Majors, known for his roles in Marvel films, was found guilty of assault and harassment in December. He is currently serving a sentence that includes attending a 52-week domestic violence intervention program.

In a 17-minute acceptance speech, Majors suggested his race played a role in his conviction.

“As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I feel anger, sadness, hurt, surprise,” Majors said. “Despite the support and evidence that was in my favor, I knew shit was bad. It was bad because of who I was and what I have.”

However, critics point out that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who prosecuted the case, is also Black. Bragg’s office stated the evidence showed “a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion far too common across the many intimate partner violence cases we see each and every day.”

The case stemmed from a March 2023 incident in which Majors allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari after she saw a text from another woman on his phone. Surveillance video showed part of the altercation.

Majors was convicted by a diverse Manhattan jury, with four of the six jurors being people of color.

The actor’s team had previously claimed racial bias during the trial. His attorney argued in closing statements, “His fear of what happens when a Black man in America calls 911 came true.”

Despite the controversy, Majors is set to lead a new film project titled “Merciless,” his first since the conviction.

The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, a relatively unknown organization, said the Perseverance Award is “given to an individual who has shown that no matter what adversity they face, they will continue to aspire to inspire.”

“I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings — I acknowledge them,” Majors said wiping tears away from his face.

Larry Elder, a former Republican presidential candidate, criticized Majors’ response to the conviction.

“The closest thing he showed to any kind of contrition was to him saying, ‘I’m not a perfect man,'” Elder said Monday on NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live.”

Elder, who previously worked as an assistant law clerk for L.A. County DA’s office, questioned the appropriateness of the “perseverance” award, noting that Majors’ probation period hasn’t even ended.

Elder suggested that Majors’ actions were more about “career resurrection” than genuine contrition, given the significant professional consequences he’s faced, including lost roles and representation.

“He was on his way towards getting a lot of major roles, all of which are now gone. So as far as I’m concerned, this is damage control. He’s trying It is best to get back on track,” Elder said.