Selma Blair, a 54-year-old actress, faced arrest following accusations of causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. The incident led to her also being charged with assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being transported to a hospital. The arrest took place at approximately 11 p.m. ET on Sunday at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York where the Delta Air Lines plane had landed.
Reportedly, Blair and one of the flight attendants were taken to a hospital for assessment by the port authority. According to charging documents, a police officer detailed how Blair resisted being secured to a stretcher, kicking the officer multiple times on the face, neck, and chest, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse who was assisting Blair also reported being kicked in the chest, resulting in substantial pain.
During a late-night court session in Queens, Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault. She appeared emotional as she stood in handcuffs, clad in jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, claimed that the actions were unintentional, attributing the behavior to Blair missing doses of vital medication for managing severe neurological symptoms related to her multiple sclerosis.
The judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, scheduling the next hearing for January. Following the court proceedings, Blair left with her legal team. While specific details of the in-flight incident were not immediately disclosed, Delta Airlines emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive or unlawful behavior, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
In a separate incident, Blair had previously apologized for her conduct onboard a flight in 2016, citing a mix of alcohol and medication that led to a blackout. Despite past challenges, Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, has emerged as a prominent advocate for disability rights, participating in events such as a gathering with former president Joe Biden at the White House to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary in 2023.