Selma Blair Arrested After Alleged In-Flight Assault, Faces Federal Charges

Selma Blair has been arrested following an alleged altercation aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York that left two flight attendants injured. The actress, 54, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and later taken to hospital for evaluation. She has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault involving a police officer and a hospital nurse, while a separate federal case concerns the alleged incident aboard the aircraft.

The incident occurred aboard Delta Flight 938, which arrived at JFK Airport at approximately 11 p.m. Officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey responded to a report of a physically abusive passenger after the aircraft reached the gate. Blair was identified as the passenger and taken into custody.

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During the flight, Blair allegedly punched one flight attendant and bit another. She was also accused of attempting to open the aircraft door while the plane was airborne. Both flight attendants reportedly sustained injuries, and one was taken to hospital for further evaluation.

Before landing, the pilot requested medical personnel at the gate to assess those involved. In communications with air traffic control, the pilot reported a bloody nose and bite marks and said the passenger appeared to have struck her head against the aircraft’s interior bulkhead. The flight landed without operational disruption.

Blair was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for medical evaluation. One of the injured flight attendants was also taken to hospital. The FBI is investigating the allegations concerning the flight.

A representative for Blair said the actress had experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. “Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition,” the representative said.

Photo: Getty Images

The statement did not specify the nature of the emergency. Blair disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018, but no official statement has established whether the condition was connected to the incident.

The allegations continued after Blair left the aircraft. According to court documents Port Authority police officer assisting with her transfer to an ambulance alleged that Blair pulled one leg free from the restraints securing her to a stretcher and kicked the officer repeatedly in the face, neck and chest. The officer reported substantial pain and swelling.

A separate allegation concerned an incident at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where a registered nurse said Blair kicked her in the chest while she was assisting with the actress’s care. The nurse reported substantial pain and was granted an order of protection.

Blair appeared in Queens Criminal Court on Monday, October 12, and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault relating to the alleged incidents involving the officer and nurse.

Photo: New York Daily Times

Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, argued that Blair’s actions were not intentional. He told the court that she had missed several doses of medication prescribed to control severe neurological symptoms. He also said she had been working extensive hours before boarding the flight and had hit her head. According to Barnes, these factors, combined with the altitude, contributed to severe confusion and disorientation.

The judge set bail at $20,000 in cash, a $60,000 bond or a $60,000 partially secured bond. Blair was released after bail was posted. Her next court appearance on the state charges is scheduled for January 19, 2007.

The FBI has also issued Blair a summons over alleged assaults aboard the aircraft. The federal case is separate from the state charges involving the police officer and nurse and is expected to be handled through the petty violations court in Brooklyn. No federal court appearance date had been announced as of October 13.

Delta Air Lines addressed the incident in a statement, saying, “Delta has zero Blair is known for her roles in Cruel Intentions (1999), Legally Blonde (2021) and Hellboy (2024). She has also spoken publicly about living with multiple sclerosis and advocated for disability rights. In 2023, she joined then-President Joe Biden at the White House to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The state and federal cases remain pending. Blair has pleaded not guilty to the two state assault charges, and the allegations concerning the flight have yet to be resolved in court.