Grace Jabbari Testifies About Jonathan Majors' 'Rage' During Assault Trial

Actor Jonathan Majors pleads not guilty to charges of assault, harassment and aggravated harassment. His girlfriend has also been arrested.

Jonathan Majors, who was present in the courtroom during the testimony Tuesday, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of assault in the third degree, aggravated harassment in the second degree, and harassment in the second degree for an alleged fight that occurred in March. The fight allegedly began with a text message from a woman saved in his phone as Cleopatra, which was seen by his then-girlfriend of two years, Grace Jabbari. The message included a link to a song and a note expressing a desire to kiss Majors. Jabbari testified that she had been scared of Majors, describing him as falling into easy "rage and aggression." She also claimed that he had physically assaulted her, causing her to fall and injuring her arm and ear.

There were no arrests at the time of the fight, but the following morning Majors called 911, saying that Jabbari was unresponsive in his bedroom closet. Emergency responders took Jabbari to the hospital and arrested Majors. In October, Jabbari herself was arrested for alleged incidents occurring the same night. Majors had filed a counter-complaint months after the alleged attack, claiming that Jabbari had attacked him on previous occasions that he had never reported. Prosecutors have declined to prosecute Jabbari, and the case has been sealed.

During the trial, Majors' lawyer painted Jabbari as a scorned ex seeking retribution after Majors broke up with her. The lawyer claimed that Jabbari had gone clubbing and drinking after the altercation and accused Majors of domestic violence as a form of revenge. Jabbari presented a photograph taken after a fight with Majors, showing damage to the bedroom and broken glass on the floor. Majors has not made a comment coming and going from trial, and it is expected to last several weeks.

The case has sparked discussions about gender stereotypes and the demonization of women alleging abuse. Experts have noted that referring to a woman as "crazy" or "psycho" is a form of emotional abuse and perpetuates dangerous stereotypes. It shifts the blame to the victim while minimizing the responsibility of the abuser's actions.