The actress addressed the October 11 incident in an emotional video, apologizing to those affected while maintaining that she never intended to hurt anyone. She has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.
Actress Selma Blair publicly apologized on Friday, October 30, 2026, following her arrest over an alleged assault involving airline employees, a police officer and a nurse in New York. The 54-year-old actress posted an emotional Instagram video addressing the October 11 incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Blair said she regretted frightening or hurting anyone, but maintained that she never intended to cause harm. She also explained that her attorneys had advised her not to discuss specific details because the criminal proceedings are ongoing.
The actress, known for Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault. Her representatives maintain that she experienced a medical emergency that contributed to the incident.
Selma Blair Addresses the Incident in Emotional Video
In the Instagram video, Blair appeared emotional as she spoke directly to her followers for the first time since her arrest. She acknowledged that she had remained silent for several weeks and apologized for not addressing the situation sooner.
Blair explained that she had been following legal advice while the case proceeded through the courts. Nevertheless, she wanted to express her regret to those affected by the events surrounding the flight.
“And so, to the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened, alarmed. I am so sorry,” Blair said in the video, according to People magazine.
She also thanked people who had contacted her with messages of support. Blair said the encouragement had meant a great deal to her and her family during the difficult period.
The actress indicated that her immediate priorities would be her health and her son. She did not provide a detailed account of the flight or address each allegation individually.
Her apology followed an earlier public statement issued through her representatives. The October 30 recording was her first personal video response to the incident.
What Happened During the October 11 Flight?
The incident occurred aboard Delta Flight 938, which traveled from Los Angeles International Airport to JFK Airport on October 11.
Port Authority police responded after the aircraft arrived at approximately 11 p.m. Authorities reported that two flight attendants had been injured during an alleged altercation involving Blair.
One flight attendant was transported to a hospital for additional medical evaluation. Blair was also taken to a hospital after officers encountered her at the airport.
According to The Associated Press, Blair was subsequently accused of kicking a Port Authority police officer and a nurse during efforts to transport and treat her.
Court documents described an alleged confrontation while officers were securing Blair to a stretcher. A police officer reported that Blair repeatedly kicked her around the face, neck and chest.
A nurse at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center also reported being kicked in the chest while assisting with Blair’s medical care. The allegations involving the officer and nurse formed the basis of the two state assault charges.
Blair appeared in Queens Criminal Court on October 12, where her attorney entered not guilty pleas on her behalf. A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released following the hearing.
The FBI has also investigated the allegations involving airline employees. Federal authorities issued Blair a notice concerning a separate assault allegation connected to the events aboard the aircraft.
The state and federal matters involve different alleged conduct. The state charges concern the officer and nurse, while the federal matter concerns what allegedly happened during the flight.
Attorneys Cite Medical Emergency and Missed Medication
Blair’s attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court that his client’s alleged actions were not intentional. He attributed her confusion to several factors, including missed medication, a demanding work schedule and a head injury sustained during the flight.
Barnes said Blair had missed doses of medication used to control serious neurological symptoms. He argued that her medical condition, the reported head injury and circumstances aboard the aircraft contributed to severe confusion and disorientation.
Blair publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. The disease affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms including fatigue, weakness, mobility difficulties and changes in neurological function.
Her representatives also disclosed that she experiences pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition associated with involuntary episodes of laughing or crying. They said the condition could affect how others interpret her behavior during a medical episode.
In an October 16 statement reported by ABC News, Blair’s representative disputed claims that the actress attempted to open an aircraft door during the flight. The representative also maintained that Blair had not intended to harm anyone.
The medical explanation remains the position of Blair’s defense and representatives. The legal proceedings have not established whether her medical conditions or medications caused the alleged conduct.
Previous Airplane Incident in 2016
The October arrest has renewed attention on an earlier episode involving Blair during a flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Los Angeles in June 2016.
Following that incident, Blair publicly apologized for causing a disturbance aboard the aircraft. She explained that she had mixed alcohol with medication, experienced a blackout and behaved in ways she deeply regretted.
The earlier incident occurred before she publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. It did not involve the same criminal allegations now being considered in New York.
Blair has since spoken extensively about living with multiple sclerosis and the challenges of managing her symptoms. She announced in 2021 that her disease was in remission, although she has continued discussing its effects on her daily life.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The latest incident has placed Blair’s medical history and legal circumstances under public scrutiny. Her representatives have urged the public to distinguish allegations from established facts and avoid speculation about her diagnosis.
Delta Air Lines said it maintains zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, emphasizing the safety of passengers and employees.
The federal investigation and state criminal proceedings remain separate matters. Blair has not been convicted of the assault allegations, and her not guilty pleas remain in effect.
Her next scheduled appearance in Queens Criminal Court is January 19, 2027. Until then, Blair faces continuing legal proceedings involving allegations that her defense maintains resulted from a medical emergency rather than an intention to injure anyone.
IMAGE: Selma Blair at the Toronto International Film Festival 2011.. Photo: Tabercil / Wikimedia, taken 2011-09-11, CC BY-SA 2.0