Jonathan Majors, a rising star in the acting world, experienced a significant setback in his career following a conviction for domestic violence in New York. The Manhattan Criminal Court opted for a sentence of domestic violence programming over jail time, deeming that "jail is not necessary."
As part of his sentence, Majors is required to complete a 52-week in-person batterers intervention program in Los Angeles, continue with mental health counseling, and adhere to an order of protection against his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, as directed by Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Michael Gaffey.
Although Majors could have been sentenced to up to 364 days in jail, the Manhattan district attorney’s office did not pursue this option. Instead, prosecutor Kelli Galaway stated that domestic violence programming, combined with an order of protection against Jabbari, would be sufficient. Galaway emphasized that despite the jury’s verdict, Majors has not taken responsibility for his actions and is no longer presumed innocent.
In her victim impact statement, Jabbari expressed that Majors "remains a danger to others" and described the "extreme physical and emotional pain" she endured both immediately and in the months following their March 2023 altercation. She stated, "When I was with him, I became a different version of myself. I was small, scared, and vulnerable. He is not sorry. He has not accepted responsibility. And he will do it again. He will abuse other women."
Before the sentencing, Majors embraced his current girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, and read from the Bible. His defense attorney, Priya Chaudhry, explained that Majors chose not to speak at sentencing due to Jabbari’s civil lawsuit against him. Chaudhry expressed confidence that Majors would comply with the court-ordered program and hinted at his potential return to the film industry.
Majors, 34, was convicted of misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree harassment but acquitted of two other assault and aggravated harassment counts in December 2023. The jury found that while Majors recklessly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, he did not do so intentionally.
The charges stemmed from a March 2023 altercation with Jabbari in a for-hire SUV in Manhattan. During the trial, Jabbari testified that she tried to grab Majors' phone after seeing a message pop up. She described Majors pulling her right hand behind her back while holding the phone in her left, causing her pain.
Prosecutors presented photos of Jabbari's injuries, including a fractured finger, a cut to her ear, and bruising, which they argued resulted from Majors' actions. Majors denied causing these injuries in a January interview with .
Despite Majors' request, Gaffey declined to overturn the conviction, stating that the jury could reasonably conclude that Majors recklessly caused physical injury to Jabbari.
Jabbari filed a civil lawsuit against Majors last month, seeking damages for physical injuries and alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.
Following his conviction, Marvel removed Majors from future productions as the Marvel villain Kang. Majors had played the role in several Marvel films and TV shows, including the Disney+ series "Loki." He was also set to reprise the role in "Avengers: Kang Dynasty," scheduled for release in 2026. Majors received an Emmy nomination for his lead role in the 2020 HBO series "Lovecraft Country."