Selma Blair, a well-known actress, was taken into custody following accusations of causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges of assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being transported to a hospital. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday when the Delta Air Lines aircraft was stationed at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.
Blair, aged 54, and one of the flight attendants were both transported to the hospital for assessment, as confirmed by the port authority. A police officer detailed in official documents that during the process of securing Blair to a stretcher, she resisted and kicked the officer, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse reported being kicked by Blair, resulting in substantial pain.
The actress was formally charged with two counts of second-degree assault on Monday night at a court in Queens. During her court appearance, she appeared emotional, standing in handcuffs and clad in jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, informed the judge that Blair’s actions were unintentional, attributing the incident to her multiple sclerosis and a lapse in medication management which led to disorientation due to a heavy workload and an in-flight head injury.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Following the court proceedings, she left accompanied by her legal representatives.
Delta Air Lines, the airline involved, did not immediately disclose specific details of the incident, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive or unlawful behavior to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The pilot of the flight requested medical personnel at the gate to address injuries sustained during the incident, and noted that law enforcement involvement was necessary.
This incident is not the first time Blair, known for her roles in popular films, has encountered issues during a flight. In a previous incident in 2016, she publicly apologized for statements made on a flight, attributing her behavior to a mix of alcohol and medication. Despite these events, Blair has been an advocate for disability rights following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 2018, notably participating in events supporting the cause, including a visit to the White House with President Joe Biden in 2023 to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act.