Selma Blair, a 54-year-old actor, was taken into custody at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport after allegedly causing harm to two flight attendants during a trip from Los Angeles. Additionally, she faced charges on Monday for allegedly assaulting a police officer and a nurse.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday when the Delta Air Lines plane had landed and was parked at the gate. Blair and one of the flight attendants were both transported to a 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, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse also claimed that Blair kicked her in the chest, resulting in substantial pain.
Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault late Monday in Queens. She appeared visibly emotional in court, wearing handcuffs, jeans, and a white hooded sweatshirt.
During the court proceedings, one of Blair’s attorneys, Shawn Barnes, argued that her actions were not intentional. He attributed her behavior to missing doses of medication for severe neurological symptoms due to multiple sclerosis, as reported by the New York Daily News and New York Post. Barnes mentioned that Blair had boarded the flight from Los Angeles after a taxing work schedule and had suffered a head injury during the journey, leading to confusion and disorientation exacerbated by the altitude.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Following the court appearance, Blair left with her legal team.
While details of the incident aboard the aircraft were not immediately disclosed, Delta emphasized its commitment to safety and condemned unruly behavior. In communication with air traffic control, the Delta pilot requested medical personnel at the gate to treat Blair’s injuries, which included bite marks and a bloody nose.
This incident is not the first time Blair, known for her roles in films like “Cruel Intentions,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Hellboy,” has experienced issues during a flight. In 2016, she publicly apologized for her behavior on a flight due to a combination of alcohol and medication that caused her to black out. Despite these incidents, Blair has been active in advocating for disability rights following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018, even participating in events alongside former President Joe Biden at the White House.
