Jonathan Majors Addresses Assault Conviction During Awards Acceptance Speech: 'I've Seen Darkness in Myself'

The actor opened up about his December 2023 conviction while accepting the perseverance award at the 2024 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards

Jonathan Majors says his faith has been both "tested" and "strengthened" by his assault and harassment convictions.

The actor — who is completing 12 months of a court-ordered domestic violence intervention program as part of his sentencing — reflected on his legal woes while accepting the perseverance award at the 2024 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on Friday, June 21.

Accepting the award onstage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Majors, 34, said, "I reckon folks want to know about this last year. As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger. I felt sadness, hurt, surprise."

"When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn't feel like all that," he said. "I didn't feel like Jonathan Majors. ... I felt like a little scared, weak boy. Despite the support and the evidence that was in my favor. I knew s--- was bad. It was bad because of who I was and what I am."

Related: Jonathan Majors Books His First Movie Role After Assault Conviction

Later in his speech, Majors acknowledged his "shortcomings," stating, "We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or super villains."

"But I've come to realize, me personally, I ain't none of that," he continued. "I'm imperfect. I have shortcomings, I acknowledge them. I love my craft."

The actor also said his "faith has been tested and has been strengthened by this testimony," adding, "I've sat in that pitch black, and what I've learned is that we catch a glimpse of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it."

Related: Jonathan Majors Steps Out with Meagan Good for First Major Red Carpet Since April Sentencing

Majors later thanked his family, his girlfriend Meagan Good and several stars — including Will Smith, Tyler Perry and Whoopi Goldberg — for their support.

Speaking to Good, 42, directly, he said, "I love you with all my strength, with all my heart," adding, "You done carried me so, so, so, so many nights."

Before a final round of thank-yous, Majors wrapped up by saying: "I received this award not just as an acknowledgement that I have persevered, but as a command to be there for others and to help them win and if their trials come."

Related: Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Say 'Presence' and 'Learning' Together Keeps Relationship Strong (Exclusive)

The fourth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards were hosted by Tiffany Haddish. Designer Christian Louboutin got the Innovator Award, Fat Joe the Culture Award and Cardi B the Inspiration Award.

When Hollywood Unlocked announced Majors as one of its honorees earlier in June, it said the Perseverance Award is "given to an individual who has shown that no matter what adversity they face, they will continue to aspire to inspire."

It described the actor's legal battle as "setbacks" for Majors, who maintains his innocence and said he is still "determined to earn his respect back from his peers and the industry."

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Back in December, a jury found Majors guilty of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment in connection to a 2023 altercation with then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari.

Jabbari, a 31-year-old British actress and dancer, testified as part of the trial, though Majors did not take the stand.

Majors, known for movies like Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, recently lined up his first movie role since his conviction: a revenge thriller titled Merciless that is directed by Martin Villeneuve, the brother of Dune director Denis Villeneuve.

The actor has made several red carpet appearances since he was convicted, including at the Frederick Douglass Awards in New York City on June 6. There, he supported his girlfriend as she was celebrated as an honorary co-chair at the New York Urban League’s annual event.

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