Jonathan Majors Breaks Down Accepting Perseverance Award: ‘I’m Imperfect. I Have Shortcomings’

Jonathan Majors receives the Perseverance Award at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, delivering an emotional speech about his imperfections, challenges, and commitment to community and personal growth.

In a night filled with recognition and heartfelt moments, Jonathan Majors stood out at Jason Lee’s annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, held on June 21 in Beverly Hills. Majors, accompanied by his girlfriend Megan Good, received the prestigious Perseverance Award from Iyanla Vanzant, who warmly embraced him as he took the stage.

Majors delivered a deeply moving 17-minute speech that earned him a standing ovation. Addressing the audience, he openly discussed his imperfections and the challenges he has faced over the past year. “I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings — I acknowledge them,” he said, reflecting on his journey and the struggles that have tested his resolve.

The past year was notably difficult for Majors, who was convicted of domestic assault and harassment eight months ago. He spoke candidly about this period, saying, “Perseverance means what? Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay. And the God I serve has put me in a position where I’ve had to embody that word more than I wished or wanted.” Despite being sentenced to probation rather than jail, Majors must complete a 52-week batterer’s intervention program and continue his mental health therapy, adhering to a no-contact order with his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, whom he was found guilty of assaulting.

Majors shared how the conviction has impacted him, particularly as a Black man in America. “We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or supervillains. But I’ve come to realize, me, personally, I ain’t none of that. I’m just that guy whose faith has been tested. It has been strengthened by this testimony,” he stated, emphasizing his humanity and resilience.

Throughout his speech, Majors was visibly emotional, shedding tears and, at one point, humorously noting that snot was coming out of his nose. Vanzant returned to the podium to wipe his face, providing a touching moment of support and solidarity.

In his closing remarks, Majors conveyed a powerful message of responsibility and hope. “I receive this award not just as an acknowledgment that I have persevered, but as a command to be there for others and help them when and if their trials come. Perseverance rests on the shoulders of many; I command myself to be shoulders to our community, to my queen, to our industry, to our culture. And just to Ella, my baby girl, we’re gonna be alright, your father loves you. I love y’all, I thank you for this. To be in this room with these great entertainers, these great Black artists, woo. Ain’t no place like home.”

Jonathan Majors’ acceptance of the Perseverance Award was a poignant reminder of the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the enduring spirit required to overcome personal and societal challenges.