Jonathan Majors found guilty of assaulting girlfriend, promptly dropped by Marvel – News JoJo

Jonathan Majors has been found guilty of assaulting his then-girlfriend following a trial in New York. The jury found Majors, known for playing Kang in the Marvel universe, attacked British choreographer Grace Jabbari during an altercation in March. She told the court she was left with a fractured finger, bruising, a cut behind her ear and “excruciating” pain. 

The Dispute: A Turbulent Relationship

The incident that led to the assault charges involved Majors and his then-girlfriend, Jabbari. According to prosecutors, the argument began when Jabbari discovered a flirty text message on Majors’ phone. In an attempt to take the phone, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in Jabbari sustaining a fractured finger. The altercation escalated as Majors allegedly attempted to force Jabbari back into the car after she tried to follow him out.

Majors’ defense attorney, Priya Chaudhry, argued that her client was the victim in this situation. According to Chaudhry, Jabbari struck Majors after seeing the text message, shifting the narrative of the incident. The trial proceedings aimed to shed light on the truth behind the conflicting accounts.

The Trial: Deliberations and Evidence

The trial took place over several months, with Majors making multiple appearances at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Holding hands with actress Meagan Good, Majors’ girlfriend at the time, he awaited the jury’s verdict. The jury deliberated for several days before delivering their decision.

During the trial, evidence was presented, including voice recordings of Majors yelling at Jabbari, photos of Jabbari’s injuries, and text messages exchanged between the couple. Video footage also played a crucial role in the proceedings, capturing the moments leading up to and following the altercation. These pieces of evidence aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded that fateful day.

The Verdict and the Consequences

After careful deliberation, the jury announced their verdict. Jonathan Majors was found guilty of one harassment charge and one misdemeanor assault charge. However, Majors was acquitted of a second misdemeanor assault charge and an additional harassment charge. 

Disney has dropped Jonathan Majors from his leading Marvel role as Kang the Conqueror after he was found guilty of reckless assault in the third degree and of harassment, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Marvel had been setting up for Majors to be the next supervillain for the franchise, but now the company is changing course. It’s unclear if Disney plans to recast Kang or change its planned storylines more drastically. Majors had already appeared in both seasons of Loki and in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and was set to star in one of the next planned Avengers movies, subtitled The Kang Dynasty. However, THR says that Marvel may be looking to focus on a new villain instead and that The Kang Dynasty “is now being referred to as Avengers 5.”

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Exploring the Evidence: The Voice Recordings

One significant piece of evidence presented during the trial were the voice recordings of Majors yelling at Jabbari. These recordings offered a glimpse into the heated moments leading up to the altercation. The emotional intensity captured in the recordings painted a vivid picture of the strained relationship between the two individuals.

Examining the Footage: The Video Evidence

The video footage played a pivotal role in the trial, providing a visual account of the events. The clips showed Majors and Jabbari engaged in a physical struggle outside a black SUV. Majors was seen picking up Jabbari and attempting to put her back into the car. Subsequent footage depicted Jabbari chasing after Majors as he ran down the block. The video evidence provided valuable context to the jury, aiding their decision-making process.

A Troubled Relationship: Text Message Exchanges

Text messages exchanged between Majors and Jabbari were also presented as evidence. These messages showcased the complexities of their relationship, shedding light on their emotional state during the time of the incident. In one exchange, Majors discouraged Jabbari from seeking medical attention, expressing concerns about the potential investigation that could follow.

Allegations of Manipulation: Closing Arguments

During the closing arguments, the defense and prosecution presented their final case. Defense attorney Priya Chaudhry portrayed Jabbari as a fabricator, suggesting that the injuries she sustained were self-inflicted. Chaudhry also raised questions about the police’s handling of the case, implying bias in their investigation. Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Kelli Galaway emphasized the importance of considering the contextual evidence, highlighting the history of abuse.