Jonathan Majors Defends Comparing Meagan Good to Coretta Scott King

Martin Luther King Jr’s Daughter Seemingly Addresses Jonathan Majors Calling Meagan Good a 'Coretta'
Bernice King and Jonathan Majors. Getty Images (2)

UPDATE 1/10 4:10 p.m. ET

Following backlash, Majors released a statement defending his use of Coretta Scott King’s name, telling TMZ on Wednesday, January 10, “My intention was to convey my utmost respect for Coretta Scott King, her achievements, and both her personal legacy and the one she shares with her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Original story below:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Bernice King is speaking out after Jonathan Majors compared girlfriend Meagan Good to Coretta Scott King.

“My mother wasn’t a prop,” Bernice, 60, wrote via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, January 9. “She was a peace advocate before she met my father and was instrumental in him speaking out against the Vietnam War. Please understand … my mama was a force.”

While she didn’t specifically refer to Majors, 34, Bernice’s post came shortly after the actor sat down for an interview with Good Morning America, in which he referred to Good, 42, as his “Coretta.”

“She’s an angel. She’s held me down like a Coretta [Scott King]. I’m so blessed to have her. The relationship is still fresh, but I think I found her,” Majors said during a pre-taped conversation, which aired on Monday, January 8.

Jonathan Majors’ Legal Drama: Timeline of His Alleged Domestic Violence Dispute, Arrest and More
Jonathan Majors’ Legal Drama: Timeline of His Alleged Domestic Violence Dispute, Arrest and More

Related: A Timeline of Jonathan Majors' Legal Drama: Alleged Domestic Violence, More

Jonathan Majors made headlines on March 25 when he was arrested following an alleged domestic violence dispute. The New York Police Department named Majors as the aggressor in an assault involving a 30-year-old woman in a statement to Variety. “The victim informed police she was assaulted. Officers placed the 33-year-old male into custody without incident,” […]

Majors reportedly made the same reference while speaking to then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, as heard in audio played during his trial for assault and harassment charges. He was originally arrested in March 2023 following an alleged domestic violence dispute, and the New York Police Department noted in a statement that Majors was the aggressor.

Martin Luther King Jr’s Daughter Seemingly Addresses Jonathan Majors Calling Meagan Good a 'Coretta'
Dr. Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King pose for a portrrait in 1964. Library of Congress/Getty Images

“A preliminary investigation determined that a 33-year-old male was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old female,” a spokesperson for the authorities shared. “The victim informed police she was assaulted. Officers placed the 33-year-old male into custody without incident. The victim sustained minor injuries to her head and neck and was removed to an area hospital in stable condition.”

After being released from police custody, Majors continued to deny the allegations. He was subsequently arraigned and charged, and he filed a countersuit against Jabbari in June 2023 accusing her of causing him physical harm.

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good's Relationship Timeline
Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good's Relationship Timeline

Related: Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good's Relationship Timeline

Jonathan Majors has had the continued support of girlfriend Meagan Good amid his legal issues. Before the couple started dating, Good went through a divorce from DeVon Franklin after nine years of marriage. Franklin filed the paperwork in late 2021, and the duo finalized their split nearly one year later. In a joint statement, Good […]

Good has publicly supported Majors throughout the ordeal, accompanying him to the courthouse for hearings and during his two-week trial in December 2023. Jabbari took the stand, but Majors declined to testify in his defense.

Martin Luther King Jr’s Daughter Seemingly Addresses Jonathan Majors Calling Meagan Good a 'Coretta'
Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good. John Nacion/Getty Images

Majors was found guilty last month of assault in the third degree and harassment. The jury also found Majors not guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree.

“I’m standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, ‘How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?’” Majors said during his GMA interview, claiming he felt “absolutely shocked and afraid” by the result of his trial.

stars-that-survived-abuse
stars-that-survived-abuse

Related: Sharing Their Stories: Stars Who Survived Abuse

As Rihanna recovers from being hit by Chris Brown, see photos of other stars who have moved on from abusive relationships

Majors continued to maintain his innocence, adding, “I wish to God I knew [how that happened]. That would give clarity. That would give me some type of peace about it.”

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you have experienced sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential support.

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