Embattled actor Jonathan Majors accepted the Perseverance Award commenting, “When you catch a glimpse of light, you run hard towards it and never take it for granted again”

 

The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards drew a starry crowd to the Beverly Hilton on Friday, June 21. Founded by CEO Jason Lee, who presented the Inspiration Award to Cardi B, the evening was hosted by Tiffany Haddish for the third time and featured acceptances by rapper Fat Joe, designer Christian Louboutin, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Da Brat and her wife Jessica Harris-Dupart and Jonathan Majors, who received the Perseverance Award

Majors, the embattled actor who has been accused of sexual assault by several women, took his moment on stage to reflect on his own struggles.

“When I was taken away in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like the Jonathan Majors I knew, the Yale graduate, the actor from Creed or Kang,” he said. “I felt like a small, powerless Black man. Despite the support and evidence in my favor, I knew I was in serious trouble simply because of who I am. This is what happens to Black people all too often — guilt or innocence often have little to do with the outcome.”

Majors, in attendance with girlfriend Meagan Good, continued: “We live in a world where men, Black men in particular, are propped up as either superheroes or villains. But I’ve come to realize that I am neither. I am just a man, an imperfect man who loves his craft, and whose faith has been tested and then strengthened by his testimony. … There will be moments in your life where things get dark, really dark… and I’ve seen the depths of that darkness in myself. Sitting in pitch black darkness, I’ve learned that when you catch a glimpse of light, you run hard towards it and never take it for granted again.”

Cardi B’s acceptance speech also addressed the pressure for perfection. “Female rappers have it worse than some pop stars,” she said. “We have to be perfect all the time, and I struggle with being my own worst critic.”

Revered shoe designer Christian Louboutin was presented with the Innovator Award by Sharon Stone, who remarked, “Tonight we pay homage to a true visionary…those soles are the Rolls Royce of stilettos.” Stone herself received the Icon Award in a surprise moment. “Early in my career I made a choice to use whatever fame I gained to make a positive change in this world,” she said. “I am honored to have been recognized here today in a room so full of love.”

Jasmine Crockett, the U.S. representative from Texas’s 30th congressional district, was recognized with the Social Impact Award and in turn presented civil rights attorney Ben Crump with the Community Award.

Da Brat and her wife Jessica Harris-Dupart were presented with the Spirit Award by Disney channel alum Raven-Symoné, and Fat Joe received the Culture Award, presented by Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton.

Other notable guests in attendance included: Evan Ross, Omarion, GASHI, Floyd Mayweather, Trina, Babyface, Eric Bellinger, Yvette Nicole Brown, Claudia Jordan, Lemuel Plummer, Bobby Lytes and Brittney Elena.

Performers included singer Keke Wyatt and Grammy-winning gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard.

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