Jonathan Majors accepted the Perseverance Award at the 4th Impact Awards in Los Angeles, marking his first accolade since his conviction for assault and harassment. The Creed III actor, surrounded by supporters, reflected on his challenging year and expressed deep gratitude to those who stood by him, particularly Meagan Good.
Majors began his emotional speech by acknowledging the difficulties he faced as a Black man in the criminal justice system. “I felt anger, sadness, hurt, surprise,” he said. “When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors, Mr. Creed, Mr. Kang. I felt like a little scared, weak boy.”
Despite evidence in his favor, Majors noted the harsh reality that guilt and innocence often have little to do with the outcome for Black individuals in the system. “This is what happens to Black people all too often. It deeply impacts us and changes the way we navigate through the world,” he added.
Presented with the award by Iyanla Vanzant, Majors broke down in tears, expressing his gratitude for his craft, family, and friends. “There will be moments in your life when things get dark, and I mean really dark. I’ve seen those depths, 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.”
Majors thanked several individuals for their support, including Will Smith, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, Deon and Roxanne Taylor, Courtney B. Vance, and Whoopi Goldberg. He highlighted the importance of community support and the wisdom shared by Goldberg.
The most heartfelt moment came when Majors thanked Meagan Good, bursting into tears. “I love you beyond all limit, with all my strength, with all my heart, I love you,” he said. “I don’t need to be so tough and strong when you carried me so many nights. I love you.”
Majors concluded his speech by singing Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and addressing his daughter Ella. “And just to Ella, my baby girl, we gonna be alright. And your father loves you. I love you and I thank you for this.”
Following his conviction, Majors was sentenced to probation and a one-year domestic violence treatment program. Despite being dropped from several projects and his talent management company, he has secured a new role in Martin Villeneuve’s Merciless.
Source: Deadline, Reuters
