Actress Selma Blair has issued a public response following accusations that she assaulted multiple individuals during a flight to New York. The 54-year-old star, known for her roles in films like Legally Blonde, Hellboy, and Cruel Intentions, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting an officer and a nurse after being removed from the aircraft. She also faced accusations of assaulting two flight attendants while on board the Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles. According to blair’s publicist, The 54-year-old had a neurological disorder that “bears directly on how a medical episode presents to people who do not know her”.
A publicist representing Blair stated that the actress “did not intend to harm anyone” and emphasized that there is “much more to this story.” According to the statement, Blair suffered a medical emergency during the flight. Her team noted that the public narrative surrounding the event has been formed primarily based on a police report and dated information, while explicitly denying media reports suggesting she attempted to open the plane’s door.
The defense highlighted that Blair lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness she disclosed in 2018. Although she announced in 2021 that she was in remission, the representative clarified that the star still experiences significant health challenges. Furthermore, the publicist noted that Blair manages pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition resulting from neurological dysfunction or brain injury that can cause involuntary, out-of-control emotional episodes, such as sudden laughing, crying, or anger, which may not align with an individual’s true feelings.
“Selma had never been arrested before Sunday night,” the publicist said, urging the public to consider all facts rather than rushing to judgment. The spokesperson described the actress’s physical resilience since her initial MS diagnosis as “nothing short of a miracle” while noting she continues to navigate daily pain.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, prompted authorities at a New York airport to respond to reports of a “physically abusive passenger.” The Port Authority of New York reported that two flight attendants were injured, with one requiring hospital transport. Audio recordings from air traffic control, obtained by CBS News, indicated that a pilot requested medical assistance, citing a “bloody nose” and “bite marks” involving the passenger.
Following her arrest and subsequent hospital visit, Blair received a federal summons from the FBI for assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the US. Additionally, she faces two assault charges filed in state court. Having pleaded not guilty to the state-level charges, the actress has been released on bail. Additional reporting by Rebecka Pieder.
