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.

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.

The Oscar-winning actress turned heads at the world premiere, joined by co-stars Hugh Grant and others on the red carpet.

Olivia Colman surprised fans with a striking blonde hairstyle at the world premiere of Wonka in London. The Academy Award-winning actress, who plays Mrs. Scrubbit in the film, graced the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall alongside her husband, Ed Sinclair. The couple posed for photos as Colman donned a dramatic black dress with a sheer cape, while also engaging with fans, snapping selfies on the evening.

In contrast, just a day before the premiere, Colman had been photographed in a green dress, still sporting her natural brunette locks. Her blonde transformation isn’t entirely new, as she previously stepped onto the Oscars red carpet in 2020 with a blonde crop.

Wonka, the latest adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, stars Timothée Chalamet as the iconic Willy Wonka. Chalamet made a bold entrance at the London event, going bare-chested beneath a velvet-look suit and a short necklace.

The film, which brings Dahl’s whimsical world to life, tells the story of the eccentric chocolate factory owner and features the peculiar orange Oompa-Loompas. The film’s promotional push gained momentum following the resolution of the US actors’ strike, which ended after 118 days earlier this month, allowing stars to hit the red carpet once again.

Several other notable stars from the film attended the premiere, including Matthew Baynton, who plays Fickelgruber, looking sharp in a navy and black suit. Simon Farnaby, a former Horrible Histories actor, stood out in a blue velvet jacket with a contrasting black collar. Farnaby, who co-wrote the screenplay with Paddington director Paul King, also joined the festivities.

Comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who plays Prodnose, was another standout in a navy suit and white shirt, while Rowan Atkinson, best known for his role as Mr. Bean, also made an appearance, sporting a striped navy suit as he plays a priest in the film.

Other familiar faces on the red carpet included Imelda Staunton, star of The Crown, and Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, both dressed in sophisticated attire. Hugh Grant, who portrays a tiny Oompa-Loompa, was seen in a classic black suit and tie. Sally Hawkins, who takes on the role of Willy Wonka’s mother, also graced the event.

Wonka will be released in cinemas on December 8.