Selma Blair appeared in a New York court following an alleged altercation on a flight, with her lawyers claiming missed medication and a head injury caused severe confusion.
Selma Blair has found herself at the centre of a new controversy following an alleged incident aboard a flight to New York that ended with her arrest. The 54-year-old actress, known for her roles in Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, appeared before a judge on Monday, 12 October, after reportedly becoming involved in several confrontations with airline staff and medical personnel. However, her lawyers insist that the episode was caused by a medical emergency linked to her multiple sclerosis, rather than intentional violence.
According to reports, Blair allegedly bit a flight attendant, assaulted another crew member and attempted to open an aircraft door during the journey. Following the plane’s arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, she was arrested and taken to hospital for medical assessment.
The situation reportedly escalated during her transfer to hospital, when the actress allegedly kicked a Port Authority police officer repeatedly in the head. She was also accused of assaulting a nurse, leading to two criminal assault charges.
Shortly after the incident, a representative for Blair issued a statement confirming that she had experienced a medical emergency. “Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition,” the spokesperson explained.
During her appearance at Queens Criminal Court, the actress’s legal team provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told Judge Indira Kahn that Blair had missed several doses of a powerful medication used to control severe neurological symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
“This was not an intentional assault,” Barnes argued, explaining that his client had been working exceptionally long hours on set in the days leading up to the flight.
The lawyer also revealed that Blair had reportedly fallen and hit her head during the journey. According to the defence, the combination of missed medication, physical exhaustion, a head injury and altitude resulted in a state of “severe confusion and disorientation”.
Blair publicly revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018 and has since become an outspoken advocate for people living with neurological conditions. Through interviews and public appearances, she has frequently discussed the physical and emotional challenges associated with her illness.
During the hearing, her second lawyer, Joshua Reitzas, asked the court to consider the actress’s professional achievements and her contribution to raising awareness of chronic illness. However, Judge Kahn made it clear that Blair would not receive special treatment because of her celebrity status.
The court subsequently set bail at $20,000 in cash or a $60,000 bond. The actress paid the cash amount and was released from police custody. She was also ordered to stay away from the nurse she allegedly assaulted during her transfer to hospital.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 2027, when the legal proceedings are expected to continue.
This is not the first time Selma Blair has experienced difficulties aboard an aircraft. In 2016, she was removed from a flight following an incident she later described as one of her lowest moments involving alcohol. The actress subsequently spoke openly about that experience and her journey towards sobriety.
