In brief
American actress Selma Blair has denied intent to harm crew after a Delta Airlines flight to New York was marred by an altercation that left two attendants injured. A publicist statement cites a medical emergency on board and notes that accusations were largely based on a police report and an old headline. Blair, who has multiple sclerosis and pseudobulbar affect, was arrested, taken to a hospital, and faces federal and state assault charges, to which she has pleaded not guilty. Her spokesperson urges courts and the public to consider the full context before drawing conclusions.
American actress Selma Blair has denied intent to harm crew after a Delta Airlines flight to New York was marred by an altercation that left two attendants injured.
Blair’s publicist released a statement saying the actress suffered a medical emergency on board and that the accusations were based largely on a police report and an old headline, adding that “much more to this story”.
Blair has lived with multiple sclerosis since 2018 and entered remission in 2021, but still experiences flare‑ups. Her team also noted she has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition that can cause sudden emotional outbursts that do not match a person’s true feelings.
She was arrested after the flight, taken to a hospital, and now faces one federal charge of assault and two state charges. A federal summons was issued by the FBI under the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, and she has pleaded not guilty to all counts, awaiting trial.
The incident occurred on a Los Angeles‑to‑New York flight, prompting emergency services from the New York Port Authority to attend. A pilot recorded the aircraft’s crew describing a “bloody nose” and bite marks on Blair, which were later cited in the charges.
Blair’s spokesperson stresses that she has never been arrested before and urges courts and the public to consider the full context before drawing conclusions about her conduct.
