In his first interview since being found guilty of assault and harassment charges, Hollywood actor Jonathan Majors opened up about his shock and fear upon hearing the verdict. The rising star, known for his roles in “Creed III” and Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” was convicted last month on misdemeanor charges related to an altercation with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
Speaking exclusively to ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Majors expressed disbelief at the verdict, questioning its basis on the evidence presented during the trial. The actor, who plans to appeal the decision, shared that the ordeal has been “very, very, very hard” and emotionally challenging.
Majors: “I’m standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, ‘How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?'”
Majors, who didn’t testify in his defense during the trial because he felt like the defense did such a good job, he had “nothing to add”, explained doing the GMA interview “I felt like it was time. “A lot has happened — it’s about responsibility, coming forward, and being brave. Giving my part of the story.”
Watch the clip below from the interview on “Good Morning America,” that aired Monday at 7 a.m. ET
During the two-week trial, Jabbari testified about the altercation in a hired S.U.V., detailing an incident where she suffered a cut behind her ear and a fractured finger. Majors, however, continued to dispute her account in the recent interview, expressing uncertainty about how Jabbari sustained her injuries.
Majors: “I wish to God I knew. That would give clarity. That would give me some kind of peace about it.”
Majors, whose sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6, emphasized that he takes responsibility for his actions, admitting that picking Jabbari up during the incident was a mistake.
Majors: “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 … If I’m not in the car, none of this is happening. If I leave the relationship, none of this is happening. If I’m man enough or brave enough to say ‘I want to see somebody else or I’m done now,’ I’m not in that car. We’re not here. I’m responsible for those things.”
He asserted that he wishes he had handled the situation differently and expressed remorse for the impact on his career and personal life.
Davis: “Do you feel you’re not responsible for her injuries at all?”
Majors: “Can’t say that. None of her injuries.”
The interview also touched on Majors’ perception of the legal process, with the actor suggesting that race played a role in his arrest and conviction.
Majors: “If you watch those videos and you reverse that, and you saw a Black man chasing a young white girl down the street, screaming and crying, that man is gonna be shot and killed in the streets of New York City. That Black man will feel that.”
During the trial, jurors heard a recording Jabbari made with her iPhone of Majors shouting at her, demanding she behave like Coretta Scott King or Michelle Obama.
Majors: “It was me trying to give an analogy of what it is I’m aspiring to be, you know, these great men — Martin, President Obama — and trying to give a reference point to that.”
Despite the challenges presented during the legal proceedings, Majors remains optimistic about his future in Hollywood, expressing a desire to work again while acknowledging that the timing is in “God’s plan.”
As the actor faces the consequences of the legal proceedings, the interview provides a glimpse into the emotional toll and challenges he is navigating post-conviction.
Jonathan Majors first gained attention in 2019 with the independent film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” He quickly expanded into blockbuster movies, delivering acclaimed performances in “Creed III” and “Quantumania.” Majors also starred in “Magazine Dreams,” a film acquired by Searchlight Pictures, a Disney subsidiary. Although the movie was initially scheduled for release in the fall of 2023, it was removed from the studio’s calendar last year amid the actor’s legal troubles.
His role in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe as Kang the Conqueror was also impacted, as Marvel Studios dropped Majors from future productions following the assault verdict. Majors’ talent and promising career trajectory had positioned him as a notable figure in Hollywood before the legal challenges unfolded.
An extended interview on ABC News Live’s “Prime with Linsey Davis,” will air Monday at 7 p.m. ET.