Ex-Girlfriend of Jonathan Majors Details “Severe” Pain Following Alleged Assault

Ex-Girlfriend of Jonathan Majors Details “Severe” Pain Following Alleged Assault

Grace Jabbari shares emotional testimony about the injuries sustained during the alleged attack, while the defence questions her alcohol consumption.

Jonathan Majors’ former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, provided emotional testimony on Wednesday about the “substantial” pain she endured after the actor allegedly assaulted her in a taxi earlier this year. This marked the second day of her testimony, where she described how the attack left her with significant injuries, including a swollen ear, a bruised finger, and blood in her hair. She revealed to the court that the pain was so intense she couldn’t lie on her right side to sleep.

Jabbari, a 30-year-old British choreographer, had documented her injuries in text messages to a friend, which were presented in the courtroom, showing a bruised finger and a red ear. During the hearing, Majors remained largely stoic, sometimes glancing at Jabbari but often avoiding the photographs of her injuries.

The incident occurred in March when Jabbari, upset after reading a romantic text from another woman on Majors’ phone, allegedly took the device from him. Majors reportedly responded by twisting her arm and striking the back of her head as he attempted to retrieve the phone. After the car stopped, Majors allegedly threw Jabbari back into the vehicle, slamming her head against the SUV’s doorframe.

Majors has pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and harassment, with his defence attorney asserting that Jabbari was the one who instigated the altercation, claiming Majors emerged from the car covered in scratches and blood.

The actor’s career has been shaken by the arrest, causing uncertainty about his future role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he was set to reprise his role as the villain Kang the Conqueror in two upcoming Avengers films. The release of “Magazine Dreams,” in which Majors received praise for his portrayal of an aspiring bodybuilder, was also delayed.

Jabbari testified that Majors’ anger had escalated over the past year, particularly while preparing for his role in “Magazine Dreams,” and that he had often displayed violent tendencies, including throwing objects during arguments. She recounted that she had learned to accept blame to calm his “violent temper.”

Reflecting on the night of the alleged assault, Jabbari explained that she didn’t want Majors to get into trouble. “In the past, putting the blame on me was the solution,” she said. She also spoke about how Majors had previously expressed distrust of the police, particularly concerning how he might be treated as a Black man, which led her to fear involving the authorities.

During the cross-examination, Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudhry, attempted to discredit Jabbari by questioning her drinking habits, suggesting that she may have blacked out key parts of the incident. Jabbari admitted to having several drinks with Majors before the altercation, and later that night, she approached a group of bystanders who invited her to a nightclub. After drinking more shots of tequila, she eventually went home and vomited before falling asleep.

Despite the questioning, Jabbari stressed the emotional confusion she felt, saying, “It’s confusing when the person you love betrays you in that way. I was just heartbroken.” Her cross-examination is scheduled to continue on Thursday.

McTominay Aims to Build on Manchester United’s Strong Chelsea Victory

McTominay Aims to Build on Manchester United’s Strong Chelsea Victory

Midfielder’s brace propels United to a much-needed win, providing hope for the team’s future prospects.

Scott McTominay has expressed his belief that Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea can serve as a foundation for future success. The Scottish midfielder scored twice to lead United to an important win, following a week of intense scrutiny after a disappointing defeat to Newcastle.

Manager Erik ten Hag was under pressure following that lacklustre loss, with reports suggesting that he had lost the backing of his players. However, a much-improved performance against Chelsea has lifted the team back into the top six and relieved some of the pressure on the Dutch coach. McTominay, who was pivotal throughout, believes this victory provides the club with a solid starting point to build upon.

“It was a poor performance against Newcastle, honestly. We know we weren’t good enough,” McTominay admitted to Amazon Prime Video. “But to come here and win tonight, it’s something we can build on. We started well and just need to maintain that consistency, which we’ve struggled with recently.”

The midfielder added: “We can’t get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got Bournemouth next, and that will be another tough match. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.”

For the match against Chelsea, ten Hag made the decision to bench Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, opting for Antony and Rasmus Højlund in attack. His team responded with a more energetic display, with Alejandro Garnacho again impressing, providing McTominay with an assist for his second goal.

Despite his double, McTominay could have had even more, having been denied twice in the first half by Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez and missing a golden chance for a hat-trick with his weaker left foot.

“I enjoy getting into the box,” McTominay said, reflecting on his performance. “Maybe on another night, I could have scored one or two more, but I’m obviously happy with two goals tonight.”

After the match, ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the win, noting that it was important to prove to critics that his team still had the spirit and resolve to bounce back.

“The result was crucial, but you need a good performance to get there,” ten Hag told Amazon Prime. “We’ve had a good week, with two solid games and one disappointing one. The players know when they perform well and when they don’t. They’re not robots, but they play for each other.”

The manager praised the unity in the squad, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the support of the fans. “The crowd is always with us, and we have to give them everything,” he concluded. “In this league, you have to give 100% every time. Anything less is unacceptable.”

De Zerbi Praises Teenager Hinshelwood After Match-Winning Display Against Brentford

De Zerbi Praises Teenager Hinshelwood After Match-Winning Display Against Brentford

Brighton’s 18-year-old defender shines in 2-1 Premier League victory, drawing praise for his maturity and composure.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi hailed 18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood as a “smart” and composed player after his match-winning performance in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford. Hinshelwood, making just his fifth senior appearance and his first at home, scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute with a powerful header from Pascal Gross’ cross.

The teenager’s impact didn’t stop there; just moments before his goal, Hinshelwood had made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Yoane Wissa and keep the score level. De Zerbi was full of praise for the young full-back, comparing him to veteran Pascal Gross in terms of his maturity on the pitch.

“He played another great game,” De Zerbi said. “He deserves to be playing now, as he plays like someone older. Yesterday, I said Jack is Pascal Gross’ son because, despite being so young, he plays with the composure and personality of an experienced player.”

Hinshelwood’s impressive showing in his first appearance at the Amex Stadium earned him a standing ovation when substituted 17 minutes from the end. He reflected on the occasion, telling Amazon Prime: “It’s an unbelievable feeling, especially playing here in front of these fans. To get a standing ovation when I came off was brilliant.”

Brighton’s victory marked only their second win in nine Premier League matches, and the club’s eighth-place position remains secure. Hinshelwood, who has been with Brighton since the age of seven, was thrilled with the result and his contribution, stating: “I’m just trying to repay the belief that the fans, players, and manager have shown in me.”

In the match, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo scored a penalty to put his side ahead, but was forced off with an ankle injury before halftime. His replacement, Wissa, was involved in a controversial moment when he raised his hand into the face of Billy Gilmour, but avoided a red card. Brentford manager Thomas Frank downplayed the incident, describing it as “absolutely handled right by the ref.”

Darius Rucker Expresses Gratitude to Bandmates at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Darius Rucker Expresses Gratitude to Bandmates at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Hootie & The Blowfish frontman honoured with a star, reflecting on his journey from South Carolina to stardom.

Darius Rucker, the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, marking a significant milestone in his career. The three-time Grammy Award winner was recognised in the recording category for his remarkable contributions to music, both with Hootie & The Blowfish and as a country music artist.

Reflecting on the achievement, Rucker, 57, expressed deep appreciation for his bandmates Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, who together formed the band while attending the University of South Carolina. The band, who are gearing up for their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour next year, have been together for 16 years.

“I’ve had the privilege of being in two incredible bands: Hootie & The Blowfish and my country band. I want to thank these guys for everything,” Rucker shared during the ceremony.

Rucker also shared the profound impact the honour had on him, saying: “When you grow up in South Carolina, struggling, you never dream that something like this could happen. All I ever wanted to do was be a singer, but this—this is beyond my wildest dreams.” He reflected on the moment as he stood among Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Charley Pride, remarking, “To be in the company of these stars is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me.”

In an emotional moment, Rucker thanked his three children—Caroline, Daniella, and Jack—saying, “They’re my heart, my soul. Everything I do is for them. Being their father is more amazing than any of this fame.”

The singer also extended his gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their dedication in attending his shows, even with the high costs associated with tickets. “I still can’t believe I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Rucker added, expressing his continued amazement at the recognition.

Starmer Claims Labour’s Green Investment Plans Will Follow Fiscal Rules

Starmer Claims Labour’s Green Investment Plans Will Follow Fiscal Rules

Labour leader outlines commitment to £28 billion green spending, while emphasising the importance of fiscal discipline in future budgets.

Keir Starmer has stressed that Labour’s pledge to invest £28 billion annually in green initiatives is constrained by the party’s fiscal rules. In his speech at the Resolution Foundation conference in London, Starmer acknowledged that while Labour is committed to ramping up investment, the government would not be able to simply “open the spending taps” in the next term.

The Labour leader faced probing questions about the sustainability of his spending plans and whether the £28 billion pledge, initially promised in 2021, had been watered down. Originally set as a commitment to spend £28 billion each year on environmental projects until 2030, Labour has since revised this target to focus on reaching that figure during the second half of its first term. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves had confirmed this adjustment in June, stating that the target would be a goal to work towards, rather than an immediate commitment.

Starmer, however, was clear that the £28 billion initiative would be used to leverage additional private sector investment and would not be delayed until the mid-term. He reiterated that the plan is subject to Labour’s fiscal rules, which include balancing day-to-day spending with tax receipts and reducing national debt as a percentage of the economy.

The fiscal framework, according to Starmer, is central to Labour’s economic approach. “Those fiscal rules are not a straitjacket, but the foundation for everything we do,” he said, confident that through fostering economic growth, the necessary investment could be achieved within those constraints.

The speech follows recent statements from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who has suggested that public service cuts may be necessary after 2024, as part of the government’s budgetary strategy. Starmer criticised Hunt’s approach, accusing him of using “fiscal sleight of hand” and of jeopardising Britain’s prosperity for political gain. He refrained from commenting directly on whether Labour would rule out cuts to public services, instead highlighting the need for reform through improved public sector efficiency, including the use of AI and data.

Starmer also defended his praise of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, noting that while he disagreed with her policies, he respected her vision and leadership. “You don’t have to agree with someone to recognise they had a mission and a plan,” he explained.

MP Calls for Schools to Reinstate In-Person Parents’ Evenings Amid Complaints of Online Meeting Shortcomings

MP Calls for Schools to Reinstate In-Person Parents’ Evenings Amid Complaints of Online Meeting Shortcomings

Fleur Anderson MP highlights frustrations with online meetings, urging schools to return to traditional formats for better connection and community engagement.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson has called on schools across London to reintroduce face-to-face parents’ evenings, citing widespread frustration with the current online format, where meetings are often “brutally cut off” after just five minutes.

Anderson, speaking out after a particularly unsatisfactory online parents’ evening, shared her experience on Twitter, expressing regret over previously criticising traditional in-person meetings. “I hate online ones,” she tweeted. “The cut-off after five minutes is brutal. There’s no chance to chat with other parents, and no real connection to the school by being there.”

In an interview with The Standard, Anderson expanded on her concerns, stating that many parents across London share this frustration. She urged schools to return to in-person meetings, emphasising that face-to-face interactions allow parents not only to engage with teachers but also to experience the school environment and connect with other parents.

Despite the calls for change, some headteachers argue that online parents’ evenings offer a number of advantages. They suggest these virtual meetings make it easier for more parents and carers to attend, ensuring that conversations about their children’s progress are not limited by time or physical location. Additionally, online platforms like SchoolCloud have been used to schedule appointments, often warning parents that each session will last only five minutes. Longer discussions, they state, should take place over email or by phone.

However, some parents have reported difficulties with the complex login systems required for online meetings, and in some cases, teachers have prematurely ended sessions, leaving parents to wait before their next scheduled appointment.

Despite these challenges, Anderson’s call for change echoes a wider desire for schools to restore a sense of community and connection in the way they engage with families.