Selma Blair: American actress’ legal team reveal reason for alleged mid-air attack on Delta flight
If convicted, the actress faces a potential prison sentence of up to seven years.
Actress Selma Blair has been released on bail after pleading not guilty to two counts of second degree assault over an alleged violent outburst onboard a Delta flight.
The Legally Blonde star, 54, was travelling aboard a flight from Los Angeles to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday when she allegedly punched a flight attendant and bit another crew member.
After the plane landed, Blair was arrested and allegedly kicked a police officer in the head while being transported to hospital for medical treatment.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The actress’ alleged violent tirade continued after arriving at the hospital where she is accused of assaulting a nurse.
Two flight attendants also reported injuries, with one requiring hospital treatment.
Appearing before Judge Indira Khan, bail was set at $US20,000 (A$28,600) cash, $US60,000 (A$86,000) bond or a $US60,000 (A$86,000) partially secured bond, Page Six reports.
During the arraignment, Blair appeared visibly emotional, with one of her lawyer’s, Joshua Reitaz, reportedly wiping tears from her face.
Her defence team, which also includes Shawn Barnes, told the court Blair had missed medicine prescribed for her multiple sclerosis and had fallen and hit her head.
A representative for the actress told Page Six Blair had experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged mid-flight behaviour.
“Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition,” the representative told the outlet.
If convicted, Blair faces a potential prison sentence of two to seven years.
Despite the circumstances outlined by her lawyers, Judge Khan warned that Blair “should not get special treatment because she is a celebrity”.
The court also granted an order of protection for a hospital nurse who Blair allegedly assaulted.
The case has been adjourned until 19 January 2027.
Delta has condemned the alleged incident, and reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety.
The airline told the outlet it has “zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”
The FBI is continuing to investigate the alleged assault.
The allegations come ten years after Blair was removed from a Los-Angeles bound flight in 2016 over a disturbance.
Blair was travelling in first-class with her then four-year-old son, Arthur, and his father, Jason Bleick, when she suffered a “total psychotic blackout” after mixing wine with medication.
“I made a big mistake yesterday. After a lovely trip with my son and his Dad, I mixed alcohol with medication, and that caused me to black out and led me to say and do things that I deeply regret,” she told Vanity Fair.
“I take this very seriously, and I apologize to all of the passengers and crew that I disturbed and am thankful to all of the people who helped me in the aftermath.”
