Jonathan Majors Ex-Girlfriend Files Lawsuit Against the Actor for Abuse, Defamation

Jonathan Majors, third from left, leaves a courtroom in New York on Dec. 18, 2023. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Actor Jonathan Majors faces a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, alleging assault, battery, and defamation spanning incidents between 2021 and 2023. Mr. Majors was previously convicted in a New York criminal court for allegedly assaulting and harassing Ms. Jabbari during a March 2023 altercation in Manhattan.

Ms. Jabbari lodged her civil lawsuit in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, citing additional instances of physical violence in Los Angeles and London.

According to the lawsuit, in September 2022 in London, Mr. Majors allegedly assaulted her by “hitting Grace’s head against [a] marble floor while strangling her until she felt she could no longer breathe.”

Ms. Jabbari claims he dissuaded her from seeking medical help despite her injuries, and when she expressed symptoms such as “brain fog” and headaches, he purportedly threatened suicide if she sought medical attention.

The lawsuit further alleges that Mr. Majors engaged in public defamation against Ms. Jabbari following his arrest and criminal trial, aiming to discredit her as a victim of domestic abuse.

The suit alleges Mr. Majors called Ms. Jabbari “a liar at every turn ... with the goal of convincing the world that Grace is not a victim of domestic abuse but instead a crazy liar who should be treated as such.”

In response, Mr.  Majors’ lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, stated via email to NPR that Ms. Jabbari’s lawsuit was expected, and they plan to file counterclaims.

Domestic Violence Trial

During Mr. Majors’ domestic violence trial in December 2023, he was found guilty of assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree. However, he was acquitted of more severe charges of assault and aggravated harassment, with the jury indicating doubts about his intent to harm Ms. Jabbari.

According to the  New York State Senate website, assault in the third degree is listed as a misdemeanor. His sentencing is set for April 3.

During the trial, Mr. Majors’ defense claimed Ms. Jabbari initiated the altercation out of jealousy, attempting to portray him as a victim defending himself. However, prosecutors presented evidence, including text messages and security footage, suggesting a history of abusive behavior on Mr. Majors’ part.

Ms. Jabbari testified to experiencing fear and physical harm throughout their relationship, with security footage depicting Mr. Majors shoving her forcefully during an incident.

Despite Mr. Majors’ claims of self-defense, prosecutors argued that his actions fit a familiar pattern of abusers attempting to shift blame onto their victims.

Following the December verdict, Marvel and Disney announced Mr. Majors’ removal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise as Kang the Conqueror. His anticipated appearance in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” slated for release in May 2026, was canceled.

This decision came shortly after accusations surfaced from two other ex-girlfriends, Emma Duncan and Maura Hooper, detailing allegations of control, emotional abuse, and physical violence. Those accusations were uncovered in a report published by The New York Times and subsequently confirmed to the outlet by the two women.

Mr. Majors, through Ms. Chaudhry, denied these allegations, labeling the relationships as “toxic.”

Previously recognized as one of Hollywood’s rising stars with credits including “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Devotion,” and “Da 5 Bloods,” Mr. Majors’ career trajectory took a sharp turn following legal proceedings.

His film “Magazine Dreams,” which debuted to acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in January, was pulled from distribution by Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures ahead of Mr. Majors’ trial last year.

The Epoch Times contacted lawyers for Mr. Majors and Ms. Jabbari for comment but did not receive a response by press time.