Marvel actor Jonathan Majors trial on domestic violence charges began in New York
Marvel actor Jonathan Majors’ trial on domestic violence charges began Wednesday in New York.
The 34-year-old actor faces misdemeanor assault and harassment charges stemming from an incident in March with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
Majors has pleaded not guilty and, if convicted, he could serve up to a year in prison.
On Wednesday, the actor entered criminal court early in a long black coat and sunglasses, accompanied by his girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, and his defense attorney, Priya Chaudhry. He appeared to be carrying a Bible in his left hand.
During the proceedings, Majors’ attorneys argued the actor’s “celebrity status” means the courtroom should be closed while the parties discuss an “evidentiary matter.” Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Michael Gaffey agreed to the request of Majors’ attorney, ordering the courtroom closed to the public during arguments about the evidentiary matter.
Majors was arrested after officers responded to a 911 call in Manhattan for an alleged domestic dispute in March. He is accused of twisting Jabbari’s arm behind her back, striking her in the head, and pushing her into a vehicle, according to a criminal complaint. She was treated at a hospital for minor neck and head injuries, including a cut to her ear, police said.
The Marvel star has denied the assault and filed a cross-complaint against Jabbari, alleging he was the one assaulted.
His attorney previously sought to delay the trial, saying prosecutors weren’t “timely” in turning over evidence.
Jabbari was arrested in October in New York on multiple charges; however, the Manhattan district attorney’s office decided not to prosecute her because the case “lacks prosecutorial merit.”
Majors, known for his roles in the “Ant-Man” films and the Disney+ TV show “Loki”, starred in “Lovecraft Country,” “Creed III,” “Da 5 Bloods” and “The Harder They Fall.”
The judge has yet to rule on a request from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to prohibit the defense from mentioning Jabbari’s arrest.