Actor Selma Blair was taken into custody after allegedly causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges for 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 the Delta Air Lines plane had landed.
Blair, aged 54, was apprehended around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday as the aircraft was stationed at the gate. She and one of the flight attendants were subsequently hospitalized for assessment by the port authority.
According to charging documents, a police officer reported that Blair resisted being secured to a stretcher and proceeded to kick her multiple times in the face, neck, and chest, causing significant pain and swelling. Later, a nurse attending to her was also kicked in the chest, resulting in substantial pain.
The actor was formally charged with two counts of second-degree assault at a court in Queens on Monday night. During the court appearance, Blair appeared visibly emotional, wearing handcuffs, jeans, and a white hooded sweatshirt.
Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, argued that Blair’s actions were unintentional, attributing them to missing doses of crucial medication for her multiple sclerosis. He mentioned that she had boarded the flight after a demanding schedule, experienced a head injury during the journey, and encountered confusion and disorientation due to a combination of factors.
The judge set her bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Blair left the court accompanied by her legal representatives.
While details of the incident onboard the flight were not immediately disclosed by the airline or authorities, Delta emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety standards by not tolerating disruptive or unlawful behavior.
In communication with air traffic control, the Delta pilot requested medical assistance for bite marks and a bloody nose but indicated that ambulances were not urgently required. The pilot also mentioned potential head injuries sustained by the disruptive passenger, highlighting the need for medical evaluation and involvement of law enforcement.
This incident is not the first time Blair, known for her roles in popular films, has faced issues during a flight. In a previous incident in 2016, Blair publicly apologized for inappropriate behavior attributed to alcohol and medication interaction during a flight.
Despite her personal challenges, including a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018, Blair has been an advocate for disability rights and participated in events supporting individuals with disabilities, such as joining former President Joe Biden at the White House to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary in 2023.