Actor Selma Blair arrested for alleged assault on flight to New York

Actor Selma Blair was taken into police custody at JFK Airport on Sunday night following allegations that she assaulted flight attendants during a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles.

The 54-year-old actor was arrested at approximately 11 p.m. after Delta flight 938 arrived at the gate. Port Authority officials stated they responded to reports of a physically abusive passenger, and according to CBS News, the flight crew had to restrain Blair during the trip. The outlet further reported that a law enforcement source alleged Blair kicked a police officer while in an ambulance and later assaulted a nurse at the hospital.

The Guardian and CBS News reported that Blair allegedly bit one flight attendant and punched or caused a laceration to another. Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot reporting that one crew member had a bloody nose and bite marks. The pilot also noted the disruptive passenger appeared to have struck her head on a bulkhead. One flight attendant was taken to a hospital for evaluation, as was Blair herself.

A representative for Blair told the Hollywood Reporter and TMZ that the actor experienced a medical emergency that led to the behavior. The attorney confirmed she is in stable condition and noted that her service dog, who was traveling with her, is now in the lawyer's custody. While CBS News noted Blair has previously been open about having multiple sclerosis, the attorney did not specify the nature of the emergency.

Blair has been released from the hospital and taken to Queens Central Booking for arraignment on two counts of state assault charges, according to a source in the District Attorney's office. The FBI, which investigates crimes on aircraft, also issued her a summons for federal assault. Delta Air Lines stated it has zero tolerance for unruly behavior but noted the incident did not delay the flight's arrival.

Background

This is not the first time Blair has been involved in an in-flight incident; The Guardian noted a similar report occurred in 2016.