Why US Actress Selma Blair Was Arrested at JFK Airport? Here’s Everything

Actress Selma Blair was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York late Sunday night after authorities said she physically assaulted two flight attendants aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles. The 54-year-old Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde star was taken into custody at approximately 11 p.m. after the plane parked at the gate, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Blair and one of the flight attendants were both transported to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. The FBI, which has jurisdiction over assaults aboard aircraft, has issued Blair a summons accusing her of assault, according to a federal law enforcement official.

Charges Filed Against Blair

The charges listed on the federal violation notice are assaults within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The matter will be handled through the petty violations court in federal court in Brooklyn, with no court date immediately set.

Blair also faces separate state charges. She was arraigned late Monday in Queens Criminal Court on two counts of second-degree assault for allegedly attacking a police officer and a nurse after her arrest.

Charging documents state that a police officer escorting Blair to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was securing her to a stretcher when Blair allegedly pulled one leg free and repeatedly kicked the officer around the face, neck, and chest, causing serious pain and substantial swelling. A nurse later alleged that Blair kicked her in the chest while being moved at the hospital.

Judge Kahn set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond. Blair posted bail and was ordered to stay away from the nurse. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 19, 2027.

What Happened on the Flight

Authorities said Blair became physically abusive during the flight and injured two flight attendants. Details of what specifically occurred aboard the aircraft were not immediately disclosed by the airline, police, or the FBI.

The FBI New York field office declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation. “As per long-standing DOJ policy, we do not comment on ongoing investigations,” FBI spokesperson Sydney Kleinmann said.

Delta Air Lines released a statement addressing the incident. “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first,” the airline said.

Blair’s Representative Cites Medical Emergency

A representative for Blair told The Associated Press that the actress 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.

The representative did not elaborate on the specifics of what led up to the episode or describe the nature of the medical emergency.

Lawyer Points to Missed Medication and Head Injury

During Blair’s arraignment, her lawyer Shawn Barnes told the court that the alleged attacks were not intentional. Barnes said Blair had missed several doses of a powerful medication used to control severe neurological symptoms.

Barnes also stated that Blair had been working extensive and exhausting hours on set in the days leading up to the flight. He claimed that at one point during the journey, Blair fell and hit her head. “These factors, coupled with the altitude, resulted in a state of severe confusion and disorientation,” Barnes said.

Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. She has spoken openly about the chronic illness, which was the subject of the 2021 documentary Introducing, Selma Blair.

History of Prior Flight Incident

This is not the first time Blair has had issues aboard a plane. In 2016, she was removed from a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles after a disruptive outburst. Blair said at the time that a combination of alcohol and medication caused her to black out.

“I am a flawed human being who makes mistakes and am filled with shame over this incident. I am truly very sorry,” Blair said in a statement following the 2016 incident.

Blair’s Career and Advocacy Work

Blair had major roles in several films, including 1999’s Cruel Intentions, 2001’s Legally Blonde, and 2004’s Hellboy.

In recent years, she has been an advocate for disability rights. In 2023, she joined then-President Joe Biden at the White House to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.