The domestic violence trial involving Jonathan Majors begins today. The trial of Marvel actor Jonathan Majors on domestic abuse charges started on Wednesday in New York.
The domestic violence trial involving Jonathan Majors as it begins today. Majors, 34, is charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment in connection with an incident in March with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
Majors has entered a not-guilty plea. He faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
In a long black coat and sunglasses, the actor arrived in criminal court early Wednesday, followed by his girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, and his defense lawyer, Priya Chaudhry.
In his left hand, he looked to be holding a Bible.
Majors’ counsel contended throughout the hearings that the actor’s “celebrity status” requires the courtroom to be closed while the parties address a “evidentiary matter.” His defenders believed that anything short of sealing the courtroom and putting the case under wraps would jeopardize Majors’ chance to get a fair trial.
Judge Michael Gaffey of Manhattan Criminal Court granted Majors’ attorney’s motion, having the courtroom closed to the public during debates concerning the evidentiary issue. Less invasive methods, according to Gaffey, “would not adequately protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial” if the press reported on “prejudicial and inflammatory” information that may not even be admissible at trial.
The sealing of the hearing and accompanying materials is the “only way to prevent tainting the jury pool,” according to Gaffey.
An counsel representing media outlets stated that while the defense has been making public declarations “like crazy,” there is no such thing as excessive publicity.
Following the arguments, the judge reserved his ruling on the issue of evidence.
Prior to the private sessions, the court agreed to Chaudhry’s request that prosecutors refrain from referring to Jabbari as the “victim,” noting that “it is highly prejudicial for the jury to hear her as ‘victim.'” The court will enable prosecutors to prosecute Jabbari with third-degree assault and aggravated harassment.
Majors is anticipated to be present for jury selection and opening comments on Thursday.
Majors was detained after authorities in Manhattan responded to a 911 call about an alleged domestic quarrel. According to the criminal complaint, he is accused of pulling Jabbari’s arm behind her back, punching her in the head, and shoving her into a car. According to authorities, she was treated at a hospital for minor neck and head injuries, including an ear cut.
The Marvel actor has disputed the attack and filed a counter-complaint against Jabbari, stating that he was the one who was assaulted.
“For an excruciating four months, Jonathan Majors, the real victim in this shameful ordeal, has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart,” Chaudhry said in an August statement. “Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal.”
His lawyer had previously requested a postponement in the trial, claiming that prosecutors were not “timely” in giving over evidence.
Jabbari was detained in New York in October on various accusations, but the Manhattan district attorney’s office later opted not to prosecute her because the case “lacks prosecutorial merit.”
“The matter is now closed and sealed,” the office stated in an October statement.
The court has yet to decide on the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s request that the defense refrain from publicizing Jabbari’s arrest.
According to Chaudhry, Majors can be heard on police body camera evidence telling officers, “She slapped me” and “She ripped my coat” before being detained. The defense claims that officials neglected to properly assess his story before charging him with a misdemeanor.
Majors is most recognized for his appearances in the “Ant-Man” movie and the Disney+ TV program “Loki.”
Majors will play Kang the Conqueror in both “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Majors was also nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” as well as for his roles in the films “Creed III,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “The Harder They Fall.”
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