Jury Selection Begins in Jonathan Majors' Domestic Assault Trial in New York

Jonathan Majors, the Marvel actor known for his roles in “Loki” and "Creed III," appeared in court on Wednesday as jury selection began for his trial on charges of domestic assault. Majors, 34, is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, during a taxi ride in Chinatown on March 25. The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, will determine whether Majors should be convicted on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges.

As the proceedings commenced, Majors stood and greeted the potential jurors, clad in a double-breasted slate gray suit. He clasped his hands together, nodded, gave a half-bow, and pressed his left hand over his heart as he introduced himself to the pool of 40 potential jurors. Among those present was actor Yul Vasquez, who was later excused from the case due to his concerns about violence against women.

Jabbari, a British dancer and movement coach, is expected to testify that Majors assaulted her after she saw a flirty text on his phone. The court papers reveal that the message read, "I wish I was kissing you right now." Majors' defense team has attempted to downplay the severity of the alleged assault by using a video of Jabbari dancing at a nightclub after the incident.

Prosecutors, however, plan to introduce evidence that Majors twisted Jabbari's forearm, hit her in the ear, and threw her back into the taxi. According to court papers, Jabbari suffered a fractured finger, bruises all over her body, a laceration behind her right ear, and a bump on her head. Majors has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial carries significant stakes for Majors, who has been gaining prominence in Hollywood with his role as supervillain Kang The Conqueror in Marvel's "Ant-Man and the Wasp" franchise. His new girlfriend, actress and model Meagan Good, accompanied him to the courtroom.

Before jury selection began, Judge Michael Gaffey ruled on whether jurors can hear “inflammatory” evidence about Majors' past acts. The details of the ruling were sealed, but the judge emphasized the need to avoid prejudicing potential jurors.

Majors' trial will shed light on the events that transpired between him and Jabbari and could have significant implications for his career and reputation. If convicted on all charges, Majors could face up to a year in jail.