Blair Breaks Silence After Plane Incident: 'Medical Emergency'

Selma Blair has been arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree assault following a reported incident on a Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York on October 11, 2026 ^[1]. The actress, 54, allegedly assaulted two flight attendants, kicked a police officer, and bit a nurse at JFK Airport before being taken to Jamaica Hospital ^[2]. She pleaded not guilty in Queens court and was released on $20,000 cash bail. Her next court date is scheduled for January 19, 2027, and she could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Blair’s legal team claims she missed several doses of medication for her multiple sclerosis (MS), which she has openly discussed since her 2018 diagnosis ^[2]. Her attorney Shawn Barnes stated she had hit her head during the flight and was suffering from severe confusion and disorientation due to altitude and exhaustion. The actress was also injured during the incident, according to her lawyers.

Blair’s representative issued a statement through People, clarifying that she experienced a medical emergency and did not intend to harm anyone ^[2]. The statement denied rumors that she tried to open the aircraft door and dismissed claims questioning her MS diagnosis as 'outrageous' ^[3]. She also has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition linked to MS that can cause uncontrollable emotional outbursts.

Despite the charges, Blair has remained active in her career. She attended 90s Con in Connecticut on October 16, where she posed for photos and signed autographs—her first public appearance since the incident ^[3]. She is set to star in upcoming projects including Schmoolie the Deathwatcher and Ethan Almighty, and continues her brand partnerships with MERSEA, ESK, and Benny’s Eyewear ^[1].

The FBI is investigating the incident, and the New York Port Authority confirmed that two flight attendants reported injuries, with one requiring hospitalization ^[2]. Blair’s lawyers called her 'the gold standard' and emphasized her contributions to public awareness of MS. Judge Indira Khan ruled that Blair must stay away from the nurse she is accused of attacking.