Former Marvel star Jonathan Majors delivered a tearful acceptance speech at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards in Los Angeles.
Majors talked about the meaning of perseverance in his emotional speech. He said it means sticking with something even when it’s hard:
“Perseverance means what? Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay. And the God I serve has put me in a position where I’ve had to embody that word more than I wished or wanted. We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or supervillains. But I’ve come to realize, me, personally, I ain’t none of that. … I’m just that guy whose faith has been tested. It has been strengthened by this testimony.”
Majors also spoke about dark times in his life:
“There will be moments in your life where things get dark, and I mean really dark. … I’ve seen that darkness in myself. I’ve sat in that pitch black and what I’ve learned is that when you catch a glimpse of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it. And I will never take that light for granted again.”
The award event celebrates contributions to the Black community in music, film, media, politics, social issues, and creative industries. Previous honorees include Chlöe Bailey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Lizzo. Majors received the Perseverance Award, which honors someone who inspires others while going through tough challenges. You can watch his full speech below.
Majors is in a Difficult Period of His Life
Majors was found guilty of intentional assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree after a fight with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. He was sentenced to complete a 52-week, in-person domestic violence intervention program in April. Majors has always maintained his innocence, though:
“I’ve witnessed assault but never participated. I’ve been smacked up before never exercised it. Those relationships went back to when I was 21, 22 years old and I just think, ‘Was I a jerk? Was I a mean guy?’ Knowing what I know now, severe depression, childhood trauma. I’ve had very few relationships, so I can gather what situations we’re talking about. I was not the best boyfriend all the time. I’ve never hit a woman. I’ve never put my hands, struck a woman, ever.”
Majors’ lawyer noted that the jury did not fully believe Jabbari’s story, and there was no evidence Majors intentionally hurt her. Majors is thankful for the support from his family, friends, and fans, and he hopes to clear his name completely.
Majors’ Hollywood career slowed down after the guilty verdict and other allegations of abuse. However, he has recently been seen making public appearances with his girlfriend. Majors is also set to star in ‘Merciless,’ and it will start filming next year.
