Selma Blair, a well-known actress, was taken into custody following an incident in which she allegedly harmed two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that Blair, 54, was arrested around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York while the Delta Air Lines plane was stationed at the gate.
After the altercation, both Blair and one of the flight attendants were transported to a hospital for assessment. According to charging documents, a police officer mentioned that Blair, while being secured to a stretcher, kicked her around the face, neck, and chest causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse also reported being kicked by Blair, resulting in substantial pain.
On Monday, Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault at a court in Queens and appeared emotional during the proceedings. Her lawyer, Shawn Barnes, asserted that Blair’s actions were unintentional, attributing her behavior to missing doses of medication for managing severe neurological symptoms related to her multiple sclerosis. Barnes explained that Blair had boarded the flight after a hectic schedule and a head injury during the journey, leading to a state of confusion and disorientation.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Delta Airlines emphasized its commitment to passenger and crew safety, expressing zero tolerance for disruptive or illegal behavior. While specific details of the incident were not disclosed immediately, the airline assured that the well-being of customers and crew is their top priority.
In a previous in-flight incident in 2016, Blair had apologized for her behavior on a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles, citing a mixture of alcohol and medication that caused her to black out. Despite these challenges, Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has become a prominent advocate for disability rights, including her participation in events at the White House in 2023 alongside then-president Joe Biden to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary.