Jonathan Majors awaits sentencing following assault conviction that disrupted Marvel star’s career

Actor Jonathan Majors is set to face sentencing in a New York court on Monday for assaulting his former girlfriend, a conviction that has significantly impacted the trajectory of the once-promising star’s career.

Facing a potential sentence of up to a year in prison, Majors could alternatively receive probation, although the specifics of the punishment sought by both his lawyers and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg remain undisclosed pending the hearing.

Following his conviction by a Manhattan jury in December on misdemeanor assault charges, Majors suffered an immediate blow to his career when Marvel Studios dropped him from the role of Kang the Conqueror. This role was envisioned as a significant antagonist across Marvel’s cinematic and television projects for the foreseeable future.

The conviction stemmed from an incident in March 2023, during which Majors’ former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, accused him of assaulting her in a chauffeured car. Allegations included hitting her head with an open hand, twisting her arm, and fracturing her middle finger.

Majors contended that Jabbari initiated the altercation out of jealousy after discovering a text message from another woman on his phone. He asserted that his actions were aimed at retrieving his phone and safely exiting the situation.

While the jury found Majors guilty of one assault charge and a harassment violation, they acquitted him of another assault charge and aggravated harassment.

Initially slated for sentencing in February, Majors’ legal team sought to have the conviction dismissed, a motion denied by a Manhattan judge last week.

Majors, who had hoped the trial would clear his name and allow him to resume his career unimpeded, expressed a desire for a second chance in a television interview following his conviction.

Despite these aspirations, the actor still faces legal challenges, including a civil suit filed by Jabbari in Manhattan federal court. The suit accuses Majors of assault, battery, defamation, and emotional distress, alleging a pattern of escalating abuse throughout their relationship.

While Majors’ lawyers are preparing to file counterclaims against Jabbari, his future in Hollywood remains uncertain. His breakout performance in “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and roles in acclaimed productions like “Lovecraft Country” and “Creed III” have been overshadowed by the fallout from his legal troubles.

As for Marvel, the question remains whether they will recast the role of Kang or alter their plans for future projects in response to Majors’ departure, marking a significant setback for the renowned superhero franchise.