Actor Jonathan Majors was sentenced to probation but avoided jail time Monday for assaulting his ex-girlfriend in a high-profile case that derailed the once-promising star's career.
The 34-year-old star of Creed III and other films served up to a year in prison after being convicted by a Manhattan jury in December of misdemeanor assault.
Following the guilty verdict, Majors was immediately dropped by Marvel Studios. Marvel cast him as Kong the Conqueror, considered the main villain in the entertainment empire's movies and TV shows, which may have cemented his name as one of Hollywood's biggest actors.
In March 2023, Majors' then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, accused a driver of assaulting her in the backseat of a car, hitting her in the head with an open hand and twisting and squeezing her hand behind her back. Until she broke her middle finger.
Jabbari, fighting back tears as he addressed the court, said Majors refused to admit his guilt and was a danger to those around him. „He's not remorseful. He's not taking responsibility,” she said. „He's going to do this again, and he's going to hurt other women. He believes he is above the law.
Jabbari said Majors made her believe the two were in a loving relationship, but in reality, he isolated her from the rest of the world and cut her off from family and friends.
„I was very emotionally dependent on him,” she said. „I became a different person around him – small, scared and vulnerable.”
Majors claimed the 31-year-old British dancer was the aggressor after reading a text message from another woman on her phone and flying into a jealous rage. He only tried to retrieve his phone and escape Jabbari to safety.
The jury ultimately convicted him of one count of assault and aggravated harassment, but acquitted him of another count of assault and aggravated harassment.
It is not yet clear whether Kong's character will be recast and remain in future Marvel films, or whether the studio will scrap plans based on the character.
Majors' career began in Hollywood on The Last Black Man in San Francisco before starring in big projects like Lovecraft Country, The Harder the Fall, Da 5 Bloods and Creed III.
Majors, dressed in black and accompanied by his girlfriend, actor Meagan Good, declined to address the court or speak to reporters. His attorney, Priya Chowdhury, said Majors is „committed to growing as a person” and that he will serve the court-ordered programs „with an open heart” even if he is innocent and plans to appeal.
„He has lost his entire life,” Chowdhury told the court.