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 of assaulting a police officer while being transported to the hospital and a nurse upon arrival. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. ET when the Delta Air Lines aircraft was at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.
Blair, 54, and one of the flight attendants were subsequently transported to the hospital for evaluation. According to charging documents, a police officer reported that Blair, while being secured to a stretcher, kicked her multiple times in the face, neck, and chest, resulting in significant pain and swelling. Later, a nurse also reported being kicked in the chest by Blair, causing substantial pain.
The actor was formally charged with two counts of second-degree assault at a court in Queens and appeared visibly emotional during the arraignment. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, stated that Blair’s actions were not intentional and attributed them to missing doses of medication for her multiple sclerosis, leading to confusion and disorientation due to the combined effects of a heavy workload, a head injury during the flight, and altitude.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. While details of the incident on the plane were not immediately disclosed by the airline or authorities, Delta Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety, denouncing any disruptive or illegal behavior by passengers.
During communications with air traffic control, the Delta pilot requested medical personnel to address bite marks and a bloody nose, indicating injuries sustained by the disruptive passenger. The pilot also mentioned the possibility of head injuries, highlighting the need for medical evaluation and law enforcement involvement.
This incident is not the first involving Blair on a plane, as she previously apologized in 2016 for statements made on a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles, citing a mix of alcohol and medication leading to a blackout. Known for her roles in popular films, Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has become an advocate for disability rights, notably participating in events at the White House to support such causes.
