Selma Blair, a well-known actor, was taken into custody following allegations of causing harm to two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she faced charges for assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being escorted to the 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 transported to a hospital for assessment as reported by the port authority. According to the charging documents, a police officer detailed that Blair, while being secured to a stretcher, forcefully kicked her, causing significant pain and swelling in the face, neck, and chest. Subsequently, a nurse also reported being kicked by Blair, resulting in substantial pain.
She was formally charged with two counts of second-degree assault late on Monday in Queens and appeared emotional during the court proceedings. Blair’s attorney mentioned that her actions were unintended, attributing the incident to missing doses of essential medication for managing severe neurological symptoms related to multiple sclerosis, a condition she battles.
Her bail was set at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond US, with the next hearing scheduled for January. Despite the incident, details of the onboard occurrences were not immediately disclosed by the involved parties. Delta, in a statement, emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
During communication with air traffic control, the Delta pilot requested medical assistance for treating injuries sustained by Blair, including bite marks and a bloody nose. The pilot also mentioned potential head injuries and the need for law enforcement involvement.
This incident is not the first involving Blair on an aircraft, as she previously apologized for her conduct on a flight in 2016 due to mixing alcohol with medication. Despite these incidents, Blair, who has been an advocate for disability rights since her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018, has remained active in raising awareness and supporting related causes.