Selma Blair’s representatives have issued a detailed public statement about the incident that led to her arrest after a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York. The statement says Blair experienced a medical emergency and did not intend to harm anyone during the flight or after landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The statement was released on October 16, several days after Blair was arrested following the October 11 flight. Authorities said police met the plane after receiving reports of a physically abusive passenger. Two flight attendants reported injuries, and one was taken to a hospital.
Blair, 54, later pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault involving a police officer and a nurse. Prosecutors allege she kicked the officer while being taken to a hospital and kicked the nurse after arriving there. She was released on bail and is due back in court in January.
Selma Blair’s Representatives Describe Medical Emergency
Blair’s representatives said the public account of the episode has relied heavily on a police report and coverage of a separate flight incident from 2016. They argued that speculation has sometimes been presented as established fact.
According to the Associated Press, Blair’s team said the actress experienced a medical emergency during the flight. Her representatives also denied reports that she attempted to open an aircraft door while the plane was in the air.
The statement did not dispute that an incident occurred aboard the aircraft. Instead, it focused on Blair’s intent and medical condition while asking the public to consider the full circumstances before reaching a judgment.
Her representatives emphasized that Blair did not intend to harm anyone. They also expressed concern that reports about her medical history were being used to make assumptions about her behavior.
Multiple Sclerosis and Neurological Health Concerns
Blair has publicly discussed living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since revealing her diagnosis in 2018. The chronic neurological disease affects the central nervous system and can cause fatigue, pain, muscle weakness and difficulty with movement.
Her representatives also said she experiences pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition associated with certain diseases and injuries affecting the brain. It can cause sudden episodes of laughing or crying that are difficult to control and may not match a person’s actual emotional state.
Blair’s team said her neurological health is relevant to understanding the reported medical emergency. However, the representatives did not provide a complete medical account establishing precisely what caused the episode aboard the flight.
The actress has spoken openly about her treatment and recovery over several years. Despite improvements in her health, her representatives said she continues to experience pain and difficult days.
FBI Investigation and Assault Charges Continue
The circumstances aboard the Delta flight remain under investigation. Authorities have released limited information about what happened before the plane arrived in New York.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Blair was accused of injuring two flight attendants. Separate allegations involve the police officer and nurse after the flight.
Blair has pleaded not guilty to the state charges involving the officer and nurse. The allegations have not been proven in court.
A federal law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the FBI had issued Blair a notice charging her with assault in connection with her alleged actions aboard the aircraft. The federal matter is separate from the state prosecution.
The reported incidents have drawn attention to the distinction between allegations made during an investigation and facts established through legal proceedings.
Earlier Flight Incident Draws Renewed Attention
The latest episode has also brought renewed attention to a separate aviation incident involving Blair in 2016.
During that earlier incident, Blair was removed from a flight following unusual behavior. She later apologized and attributed her conduct to mixing alcohol with medication.
Her current representatives criticized comparisons between the two events, arguing that the earlier incident should not determine how the public interprets the current allegations.
Blair’s team also expressed concern that reporting about her health could reinforce misconceptions about neurological conditions. Her representatives asked journalists and the public to avoid treating medical information as evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Selma Blair Continues Public Appearances
Blair is widely recognized for her performances in Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy. Her career has included film, television and advocacy work focused on people living with disabilities.
Since announcing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, she has discussed mobility challenges, medical treatment and the impact of chronic illness on her professional and personal life.
Blair remained scheduled to attend 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, following her arrest. People reported that she appeared at the event on October 16 for photographs and autographs but did not participate in a planned question-and-answer session.
Her representatives thanked journalists they believed had treated Blair fairly and criticized reporting they said had contributed to misinformation.
What Happens Next in Selma Blair’s Legal Case?
The state case is expected to continue with Blair’s next court appearance in January. The federal allegations connected to the flight are being handled separately.
Investigators have not publicly established a complete account of the events aboard the aircraft or how Blair’s reported medical emergency may relate to the allegations.
Blair’s representatives continue to maintain that she did not intend to injure anyone. The legal proceedings will determine how the evidence is evaluated and whether prosecutors can prove the charges.
IMAGE: Selma Blair at the 2012 FX Ad Sales Upfront.. Photo: Joella Marano / Wikimedia, taken 2012-03-28, CC BY-SA 2.0