Jonathan Majors found guilty of attacking ex-girlfriend as jury reaches verdict
Jonathan Majors was found guilty of attacking his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, whom he met on set of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania two years ago. Jurors found him guilty of third degree assault and harassment.
The verdict comes after four hours of deliberation over the course of three trial days. Majors has since been dropped by Marvel following the verdict.
Majors, 34, faced four charges. While he was found guilty of one charge of assault in the third degree and one charge of harassment, he was found not guilty of another charge of assault in the third degree and a charge of harassment. His current girlfriend, Meagan Good and other family members were present as the verdict was read in a Manhattan courtroom.
Following the verdict, Jabbari's lawyer Brittany Henderson said jurors had delivered "justice" and her client hoped her case would "inspire other survivors to speak out".
She said: "Justice has been served by today’s verdict. We are thankful to the jury, the court, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for giving this case the time and attention that it merits.
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Majors was accompanied by girlfriend Meagan Goode throughout the trial (AP)"Today has shown us that no abuser, no matter how powerful they may seem, is above the law. Ms. Jabbari has shown irrefutable strength and poise while being forced to relive, both in court and very publicly, the abuse she was subjected to.
"Her unwavering resolve to see this case through to the end is borne out of a desire to show other survivors and victims of domestic violence, that they too, can hold their abuser accountable. Ms. Jabbari hopes that her actions will inspire other survivors to speak out and seek justice."
The Marvel actor was accused by his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari of domestic violence and manipulation. Jonathan was arrested after a March 25 incident. When Grace exited a vehicle, surveillance footage released by the judge showed Jonathan pushing her back in. She claimed that she suffered injuries including a cut behind her ear and a swollen finger.
Pictures of Grace Jabbari injured were released to the public (AP)He denied the allegations and the defense argued that Grace was the aggressive one. They called the driver of the vehicle to the stand who testified that he believed it was Grace who initiated the violence.
The day following the incident, Grace called the police who arrived and arrested Jonathan. In additionally released media, Grace was seen slumped in a closet before police evaluated her injuries. About the aftermath, she said on stand: "When I was trying to sleep, I was very aware that I couldn’t lie on the right side of my head. It was an everything hurts situation."
She took a photo of her swollen finger (Manhattan District Attorney's Office)
Police took photos of her bloodied ear (Manhattan District Attorney's Office)Grace described Jonathan as a "controlling, manipulative" partner. In the closing statements, Grace's attorney explained: "What this really boils down to is four simple words: control, domination, manipulation and abuse. The tactics used by those who commit domestic violence against partners, against Grace."
The prosecution presented text messages between Grace and Jonathan where he discouraged her from going to the hospital, citing concerns about the doctors "asking questions." Additionally, he called himself a "monster" and threatened to kill himself. In fact, he expressed that he already had plans in motions to do so.
Her attorney added: "When [Jonathan] acted like that previously, he said to not tell anyone or else it’d ruin their relationship. [Grace] withdrew from family and friends because it felt like she was lying to them. She didn’t take care of herself, was reliant on [Jonathan]. He would blame her for making him upset.”
A photo of Grace Jabbari slumped on the floor of a closet was released (Manhattan District Attorney's Office)Jonathan's attorney maintained his innocence and, during the closing statements, claimed Grace "bends reality." The defence argued that racial inequality caused the accusations and arrest. The attorney said: "His fear of what happens when a Black man in America calls 911 came true. And now we’re here. We’re here because police made up their minds on sight.”
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Majors is due to be sentenced on February 4. He could face up to a year in prison.
If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247
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