Jonathan Majors’ Trial Date Set for August 3: Details of the Assault Case So Far
The charges against up-and-coming Hollywood actor Jonathan Majors have been well-publicized since his arrest on domestic violence allegations in New York on March 25. He was arraigned on multiple counts of assault in the third degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and one count of harassment in the second degree. After a brief conference six weeks ago, a trial date has finally been set for August 3. Here are the details of the case so far.
Who is Jonathan Majors?
Before the allegations surfaced, Jonathan Majors had been a rising star in Hollywood, headlining popular movies including “Creed III,” “Devotion,” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” He was also an Emmy nominee for HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” and received accolades for “Magazine Dreams,” which sold to Searchlight after premiering at Sundance Film Festival.
What happened on March 25?
According to authorities, Majors, 32, was arrested in Manhattan on domestic violence allegations after a dispute with a 30-year-old woman, reportedly his girlfriend. She told officers that she was assaulted and was taken to the hospital with “minor injuries to her head and neck.” After the alleged incident, several additional victims stepped forward to cooperate with the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
What is the status of the case now?
At a court conference six weeks ago, Judge Rachel S. Pauley discussed a motion filed by Majors’ defense team that the prosecution has until May 23, 2023, to respond. If he fails to show up in person, a warrant can be issued for his arrest within 48 hours. Majors needs to appear in court on June 13, when a decision will be made regarding that motion. The judge ordered that he cannot have any direct or third-party contact with the alleged victim until then. The trial has now been set for August 3, 2023.
What has been Majors’ defense?
His criminal defense lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, has denied any wrongdoing and has released text messages and videos that are intended to prove the actor’s innocence. She has called the case a “witch hunt” and claimed that the proceeding is “saturated with explicit and implicit bias.” Chaudhry also noted the “racial bias that permeates the criminal justice system” and has accused the Manhattan DA of being uncooperative throughout the legal proceedings.
What has been the response to the incident?
As part of the fallout, Majors has been dropped by his PR team, the Lede Company, and his management company, Entertainment 360. He’s also been dropped by Protagonist Pictures’ adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel “The Man in My Basement,” from a Texas Rangers ad campaign, and a U.S. Army ad campaign featuring him has been paused. Searchlight’s plans for him have yet to be announced.
Has he said anything publicly?
Majors has not yet issued a statement about the incident or the charges against him.
What is the potential outcome of the trial?
If Majors is found guilty, he could face up to a year in jail for each charge of assault in the third degree, a fine of up to $1,000, or a combination of both. Aggravated harassment in the second degree is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. If convicted, his acting career could be in jeopardy.
Conclusion
While the legal system will determine Majors’ innocence or guilt, the case has already had a significant impact on his career. With the trial pending, the outcome will determine whether he can regain his reputation and continue his promising acting career.
FAQs
1. What is Jonathan Majors accused of?
Majors has been charged with multiple counts of assault in the third degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and one count of harassment in the second degree, all stemming from a single incident on March 25, 2023.
2. What is the potential punishment if Majors is found guilty?
If Majors is found guilty, he could face up to a year in jail for each charge of assault in the third degree, a fine of up to $1,000, or a combination of both. Aggravated harassment in the second degree is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
3. What is the current status of the case?
A trial date has been set for August 3, 2023. Majors needs to appear in court on June 13, when a decision will be made regarding a motion filed by his defense team. If he fails to show up in person, a warrant can be issued for his arrest within 48 hours.
4. What has been Majors’ defense?
His criminal defense lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, has denied any wrongdoing and has released text messages and videos that are intended to prove his innocence.
5. How has this incident impacted Majors’ career?
Since the charges were filed, Majors has been dropped by his publicity team, the Lede Company, and his management company, Entertainment 360. He’s also been dropped by Protagonist Pictures’ adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel “The Man in My Basement,” from a Texas Rangers ad campaign, and a U.S. Army ad campaign featuring him has been paused. Searchlight’s plans for him have yet to be announced.