Selma Blair Faces Two Felony Assault Charges in New York

Actress Selma Blair faces two counts of felony second-degree assault in New York after authorities accused her of kicking a police officer and a nurse while she was being transported for medical treatment following a flight incident. The 54-year-old actress was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, October 11, and pleaded not guilty in court the following day.

Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira Khan set Blair's bail at $20,000 in cash or by credit card, or a $60,000 insured or partially secured surety bond, according to court records reviewed by USA TODAY. Blair posted bail after her arraignment on Monday, October 12.

Each felony count carries a potential prison sentence of up to seven years because the alleged victims are workers protected under New York law. The judge also issued a protective order barring Blair from coming within 100 yards of the nurse or contacting her by any means. Blair's next court appearance is scheduled for January 19, 2027.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY, Port Authority Police Department Officer Maria Suarez was helping move Blair from an airport terminal to an ambulance after the flight landed. While Blair was being secured on a stretcher, she allegedly pulled away her leg and repeatedly kicked Suarez in the face, neck, and chest. The officer reported substantial pain and swelling and required hospital treatment.

The nurse assisting with Blair's transportation also alleged that the actress kicked her in the chest, causing substantial pain, according to the complaint.

Blair's publicist, Jill Fritzo, said the actress had experienced a medical emergency before the alleged assaults. Fritzo provided the statement to USA TODAY on October 12.

"She experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct" said Jill Fritzo, Blair's publicist. Fritzo said Blair received immediate medical attention and was in stable condition.

Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, in 2018 and has since publicly advocated for awareness of the condition.

During Monday's court appearance, Blair appeared emotional as her attorneys argued that the allegations did not reflect her character and described the incident as unusual given her limited prior contact with the criminal justice system.

Attorney Shawn Barnes told the court that Blair had worked long hours, missed doses of medication, and fallen and struck her head aboard the aircraft, according to CNN.

Port Authority police responded at approximately 11 p.m. on October 11 to Delta Flight 938, which had arrived from Los Angeles and was parked at a gate, according to a statement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provided to USA TODAY. Two flight attendants reported injuries, and one was taken to a hospital. Blair was also hospitalized for evaluation.

Reports cited by USA TODAY alleged that Blair punched one flight attendant and bit another. Delta Air Lines said it could not corroborate claims that Blair had attempted to open an aircraft door and confirmed that the incident did not affect flight operations.