Selma Blair charged with assault after alleged flight incident
Qwenews.com – Selma Blair charged with assault after authorities said two flight attendants were injured during an alleged disturbance aboard a commercial flight from Los Angeles to New York City on Sunday night.
The actress faces two counts of second-degree assault in connection with the incident on Delta Air Lines Flight 938, which traveled from Los Angeles International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Port Authority police responded after the plane landed, and Blair was taken into custody before later being transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Two flight attendants reported injuries during the episode, and one crew member was taken to a hospital for additional assessment. Emergency medical workers had been requested to meet the aircraft because crew members needed care.
Charges, court appearance and bail
Blair appeared in court Monday evening and did not enter a plea. Judge Indira Khan set bail at $20,000 and scheduled her next court appearance for January 19. The judge also issued an order of protection for a nurse involved in the case.
According to the criminal complaint, Blair was being prepared for ambulance transport after the flight when she allegedly freed one leg from the restraints on a stretcher and kicked a Port Authority officer in the head and chest.
The complaint also alleges that she later kicked a nurse in the chest while the nurse was taking her for further treatment. The assault charges involve the reported events following the plane’s arrival.
What authorities and witnesses alleged
Dispatch audio described injuries that included a bloody nose and bite marks, although it did not identify which person suffered each injury. The audio also included concern that the disruptive passenger may have struck her head against a bulkhead.
A law-enforcement source said Blair allegedly bit one flight attendant and left another with lacerations. The source said plastic restraints were used during the response.
Delta said officers met the aircraft after it landed and emphasized that safety remains central to its response to disruptive behavior.
“[Delta] has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”
The FBI is investigating the matter. Its New York field office said it does not comment on active investigations.
Attorney cites work schedule, injury and medication
Blair’s attorney, Shawn Barnes, said she had worked long hours on a set before boarding the flight. He said she fell and struck her head while on the aircraft and had missed medication.
Barnes also said Blair spent about seven to eight hours at the hospital before entering police custody and needed to return to the hospital afterward. He later met her there and took custody of the service animal that had traveled with her.
Federal Aviation Administration data shows 1,331 reports of unruly airplane passengers so far this year. Such reports can involve a wide range of conduct, while alleged assaults may lead to criminal charges as well as airline restrictions or civil penalties.
Blair’s health history and previous flight episode
Blair disclosed in 2018 that she has multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. There is no cure, and her treatment and experience living with the condition were explored in a 2021 documentary.
She was also removed from a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles in 2016 and hospitalized after becoming unruly. Blair later called that incident a serious mistake and said alcohol combined with medication had caused her to black out.
On Sunday, Blair posted an Instagram video about recent travel with her service animal, Scout. The caption referenced a demanding route through Los Angeles, New Mexico and New York City.
FAQ: Selma Blair flight assault case
What charges does Selma Blair face?
Selma Blair charged with assault in two second-degree assault counts related to the alleged incident and the events that followed after the flight landed.
When is Selma Blair due back in court?
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 19.
Which agencies are investigating?
Port Authority police responded at JFK Airport, while the FBI is investigating the case.