Selma Blair Faces Assault Charges After JFK Flight Incident

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after authorities arrested her at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York following an alleged disturbance on a Los Angeles to New York flight that injured two flight attendants, according to CNN and the Port Authority Police Department.

The 54-year-old was taken into custody late Sunday after officers responded to reports of a physically abusive passenger aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 938. She later pleaded not guilty in Queens Criminal Court and was released on $20,000 bail.

According to CNN, law enforcement officials said one flight attendant was bitten and another suffered lacerations during the flight. Air traffic control audio later described the injuries as "a bloody nose as well as some bite marks" and indicated the passenger may have "bashed her head on the bulkhead."

After the aircraft arrived, prosecutors said Blair allegedly kicked a Port Authority officer while being placed on a stretcher and later kicked a nurse at a hospital in Queens. The criminal complaint states the officer suffered facial swelling and pain.

Blair's attorney Shawn Barnes told the court that the actress had worked extensive hours, fell and hit her head on the plane, and missed medication before the incident. Barnes said Blair's actions were connected to a medical crisis.

"We do not believe, your honor, that this is an intentional assault," Barnes said.

Barnes said Blair has multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 2018, and had also been diagnosed with Parkinsonism, a group of movement symptoms. Blair has publicly discussed her health challenges and disability advocacy work.

The FBI is investigating possible federal violations related to the aircraft incident. The agency said it does not comment on ongoing investigations.

"Yesterday, we were informed by our partners at Port Authority Police Department of a potential assault aboard a flight that arrived into JFK. As per long-standing DOJ policy, we do not comment on ongoing investigations," FBI spokesperson Sydney Kleinmann said.

Delta said law enforcement met the plane after arrival and addressed the incident. The airline described its safety policy in a statement to CNN.

"We have zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first," Delta said.

Blair's representative said the alleged conduct followed a "medical emergency" and that she received immediate medical attention after landing. Blair previously faced a 2016 airline incident, when she apologized after an outburst she attributed to mixing alcohol with medication.

"I made a big mistake yesterday," Blair said in 2016.

"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," Blair said.

"I take this very seriously, and I apologize to all the passengers and crew that I disturbed and am thankful to all the people who helped me in the aftermath," Blair said.

Blair is scheduled to return to court on January 19. If convicted on the state charges, prosecutors said she could face two to seven years in jail.