Selma Blair, a 54-year-old actor, faced arrest for allegedly causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Furthermore, she was charged with assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being transported to the hospital. The incident occurred at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport when Blair was taken into custody at around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday after the Delta Air Lines plane had reached the gate.
Following the altercation, both Blair and one of the flight attendants were taken to the hospital for evaluation. The police officer involved in the incident detailed that Blair resisted being secured to a stretcher and proceeded to kick her around the face, neck, and chest, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse also reported being kicked in the chest by the actor, resulting in substantial discomfort.
Blair was later arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault at a Queens court on Monday night. During the court appearance, she appeared visibly emotional while her attorney, Shawn Barnes, asserted that her actions were unintentional. Barnes explained that Blair, who is managing multiple sclerosis, had missed crucial doses of medication due to a demanding schedule and a head injury sustained during the flight, which, combined with the high altitude, led to a state of confusion.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond, scheduling the next hearing for January. Delta Airlines emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward disruptive or unlawful behavior, prioritizing customer and crew safety. Although specific details of the incident were not immediately disclosed, the airline, police, and the FBI were cooperating in the investigation.
In a separate incident in 2016, Blair publicly apologized for inappropriate behavior on a flight, attributing it to a mix of alcohol and medication. Despite past challenges, Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has become an advocate for disability rights and participated in events supporting individuals with disabilities, including a White House celebration with former President Joe Biden in 2023.