Jonathan Majors Interview Breakdown: the Actor’s Road to Redemption

During his initial interview on’ Good Morning America, Jonathan Majors expressed his “shock” at the guilty verdict and contested his culpability. This was his first public appearance since the court charged him with misdemeanor assault and harassment in connection with an incident involving his former partner.

Jonathan Majors granted his initial interview on Monday following his conviction for misdemeanor assault and harassment in a case involving his former partner, Grace Jabbari.

During the ABC’s Good Morning America interview, Majors expressed his astonishment at the verdict, which could lead to a jail sentence of up to one year. He also contested his own responsibility for the injuries sustained by Jabbari.

Jonathan Majors Interview Breakdown: the Actor’s Road to Redemption

ABC News Live “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis repeatedly questioned Majors about Jabbari’s injuries, to which Majors initially responded by stating, “I wish that I knew” how the injuries occurred.

Given additional inquiries about his accountability for the injuries, Majors replied:“I shouldn’t have been in the car. I shouldn’t have stepped out of the relationship. I shouldn’t have been in the relationship,” the actor said. “If I’m not in the car, none of this is happening.” 

When questioned once more about whether he acknowledged responsibility for certain aspects but not all of her injuries, Majors stated: “Can’t say that. None of her injuries.”

The charges leveled against Jonathan Majors arise from an incident on March 25, 2023, when he was accompanying his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, in a car. According to Jabbari’s testimony, she noticed a text on Majors’ phone expressing a desire for a kiss. In the ensuing confrontation, Jabbari claimed that Majors forcibly took the phone from her, grabbing her arm and right hand, twisting her forearm, and striking her head to retrieve the device. Jabbari also alleged that Majors later threw her back into the car, leading to the harassment violation.

Following a comprehensive two-week jury trial in December, Majors received a guilty verdict for reckless assault in the third degree, classified as a misdemeanor, and harassment in the second degree, categorized as a violation. When questioned about the recklessness of his actions, Majors asserted on Monday that he was “reckless with her heart, not with her body.” He also stated emphatically that he had never physically harmed a woman. Furthermore, he claimed that he had never been involved in any case of domestic abuse in his relationships.

“I’ve witnessed it but never participated,” he said.

An Overview of the Text Messages between Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari

Majors also disclosed that he had grappled with suicidal ideations since childhood, emphasizing that he has sought and continues to receive assistance to prevent any recurrence of such thoughts. The prosecution presented in court as evidence of emotional abuse text messages from Majors to Jabbari, where he expressed suicidal ideations during turbulent phases in their relationship.

Majors also highlighted injuries he claimed to have suffered during the car altercation, presenting photos that included a scratch on his neck. He mentioned that Jabbari had pursued him down the street after the car incident. Majors emphasized the racial dynamic, stressing that if he, as a black man, had been the one pursuing a white woman, public opinion would have viewed the situation differently.

Throughout the interview, the actor, visibly emotional at various points, shared his perspective on the events. “shocked at the verdict.” 

“I was absolutely shocked and afraid,” he said. “How is that possible? Based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence.” 

Majors was questioned about the audio recording played in court, wherein the actor described himself as a “great man”. Also, encouraging Jabbari to emulate figures like Coretta Scott King and Michelle Obama.

“It was me trying to give an analogy of what it is I’m aspiring to be. These great men, Martin, President Obama,” Majors said. “I need her, in that case, Grace, to make the same sacrifices I am making.”

Meagan Good, the New Actor’s Supporting Partner 

Subsequently, he contacted his current partner, Meagan Good, who was constantly present throughout the trial. GMA highlighted that Good was also present during this interview. “an angel” and added “She’s held me down like a Coretta.”

Regarding his decision to grant the interview at this particular juncture, Majors explained: “I felt like it was time.” 

“A lot has happened,” Majors said. “In my personal life, in my career in the culture. It’s about responsibility, coming forward, being brave, and giving my part of the story.”

Nevertheless, the interview occurred in anticipation of Majors’ sentencing on February 6, a period during which legal experts argue that it is highly unusual to make a public statement. This is due to concerns about potentially influencing the judge’s decision negatively. The assault charge, the most severe of the convictions, carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail. However, many legal experts had previously opined that Majors might not serve time behind bars. Yet, he is likely to appeal the conviction.

“The Judge has a wide variety of tools at his disposal at sentencing. Including anger management, community service, other programming, or jail time. If the Defendant says anything to piss off the judge, or insults the integrity of the judicial system, I could easily see the Judge giving him a taste of jail,”. The statement was attributed to Cary London, a criminal defense attorney based in Manhattan.

“From a purely legal standpoint, it would be more wise to wait to give a public statement until after sentencing. But Majors is likely balancing other factors such as public relations and his future career opportunities,”. The statement was credited to Kate Mangels, a Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP partner.

Jonathan Majors’ Firing from Disney and his Role as Kang The Conqueror

Shortly after the court announced the verdict, Disney’s Marvel Studios decided to part ways with the actor, removing Jonathan Majors from the role of Kang the Conqueror in its forthcoming MCU films. The fact that the interview was aired on Disney-owned ABC News adds an unusual layer to the situation. This marks Majors’ first public appearance since the trial.

A “For your Consideration ad” for Creed III, featuring Jonathan Majors alongside Michael B. Jordan, was aired during a commercial break preceding the interview. Notably, Majors was not featured in the ad.

When questioned in the interview about his prospects of working in Hollywood again, Jonathan Majors responded with a laugh, stating,“Yeah. I do. I pray I do.” 

The initial interview aired on Good Morning America early Monday. GMA3 will show additional segments. Moreover, an extended version will be available for streaming on Linsey Davis’ ABC News Live program Prime later on Monday. Finally,, IMPACT x Nightline will present a half-hour special with additional unaired segments on January 11, exclusively accessible on Hulu.

Featured Image Via ABC News

 

I am a circus aerialist influenced by Dick Grayson and Spider-Man. Fortunate to write about the characters that inspired me. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in International Trade.