Selma Blair, a well-known actress, was taken into custody following accusations of injuring two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges of assaulting a police officer and a nurse after arriving at the hospital. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday when the Delta Air Lines plane was at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, as reported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Blair, aged 54, and one of the flight attendants were both transported to a hospital for assessment, according to the port authority. Charging documents revealed that while being secured to a stretcher by a police officer, Blair kicked the officer multiple times on the face, neck, and chest, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, she also kicked a nurse in the chest, resulting in substantial pain.
She was formally charged with two counts of second-degree assault late on Monday in a Queens court. During the court appearance, Blair, visibly emotional, stood in handcuffs wearing jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, informed the judge that her actions were unintentional, attributing them to missing doses of a crucial medication for her multiple sclerosis symptoms, which led to confusion and disorientation heightened by the flight’s conditions.
The judge imposed a bail of $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Following the court proceedings, Blair left with her legal team. The airline, police, and the FBI, which initiated an investigation, did not immediately disclose specific details of the incident aboard the aircraft. However, Delta emphasized its zero tolerance for disruptive or illegal behavior, prioritizing customer and crew safety.
According to air traffic communications, the Delta pilot requested medical personnel to be present at the gate to address bite marks and a bloody nose inflicted by the disruptive passenger. The pilot mentioned a potential head injury, requiring further medical and law enforcement assessment upon landing.
This incident is not the first involving Blair on a plane. In 2016, she publicly apologized for her behavior on a flight due to a mix of alcohol and medication. Despite these challenges, Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has actively advocated for disability rights, even participating in events at the White House to commemorate disability rights milestones.