Selma Blair, a well-known actress, was taken into custody following an incident where she allegedly harmed two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges of assaulting a police officer and a nurse upon her arrival at a hospital. The arrest occurred around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.
Blair, aged 54, and one of the flight attendants were both hospitalized for evaluation, as confirmed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. According to charging documents, a police officer reported that Blair resisted being secured to a stretcher and proceeded to kick her in the face, neck, and chest, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse also experienced a kick to the chest from the actor, resulting in substantial pain.
Following the incident, Blair was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and appeared in court in Queens. During the court appearance, one of her attorneys mentioned that her actions were unintentional, attributing them to missing doses of essential medication for managing severe neurological symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. The attorney further explained that due to a combination of factors, including a heavy workload, a head injury during the flight, and the effects of high altitude, Blair was in a state of severe confusion and disorientation.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Despite the lack of immediate details about the aircraft incident from the airline, police, or the FBI, Delta Airlines emphasized its commitment to passenger and crew safety, stating a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive or unlawful behavior.
In a separate radio communication, the Delta pilot requested medical assistance for treating injuries sustained by Blair, including bite marks and a bloody nose. While the pilot indicated no need for ambulances, he mentioned Blair potentially needing medical assessment and involvement with law enforcement due to her disruptive behavior and head injury.
This incident is not the first time Selma Blair has faced issues while onboard a plane. In a previous incident in 2016, she publicly apologized for inappropriate behavior on a flight, attributing it to a mix of alcohol and medication that caused her to black out. Despite these challenges, Blair, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has become an advocate for disability rights, participating in events such as the celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary at the White House alongside then-president Joe Biden in 2023.