Selma Blair, a well-known actress, was taken into custody following accusations of causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges of assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being transported to a hospital. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. ET when the Delta Air Lines aircraft was stationed at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.
Blair, aged 54, and one of the flight attendants were both escorted to a hospital for examination, as stated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Charging documents revealed that Blair, while being strapped to a stretcher, resisted and kicked a police officer, causing substantial pain. Later, she kicked a nurse in the chest, leading to further discomfort.
Following the altercation, Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault in a Queens court late on Monday. During the court appearance, she appeared emotional, clad in jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt, while her attorney explained that her actions were unintentional. The attorney mentioned that Blair, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, had missed crucial medication doses, leading to severe neurological symptoms.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Despite the lack of immediate details regarding the incident from the airline and authorities, Delta emphasized its commitment to passenger and crew safety, denouncing any unruly or illegal behavior.
In a separate communication, the Delta pilot requested medical assistance for bite marks and a bloody nose upon landing but indicated that ambulances were not required. This incident is not the first for Blair, who previously faced issues on a flight due to a mix of alcohol and medication back in 2016. Despite her personal struggles, Blair has been actively involved in advocating for disability rights, notably appearing alongside then-president Joe Biden at the White House in 2023 to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary.