"She lives with pain daily": Selma Blair breaks silence as rep cites MS diagnosis after Delta flight incident and assault charge

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Prime Video Celebrates "Elle World" - Source: Getty

Selma Blair’s representative is defending the actress after she was charged with second-degree assault following an incident aboard a Delta flight, saying she experienced a medical emergency and urging the public not to rush to judgment.

In a statement to People, Selma Blair’s rep denied reports suggesting the actress attempted to open the aircraft door or intended to hurt anyone during the incident.

“Selma Blair experienced a medical emergency on the flight. There was no attempt to open the door of the aircraft. Selma did not intend to harm anyone.”
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Travel + Leisure World's Best Summit 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

The statement also addressed the actress’ multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which she publicly disclosed in 2018.

The spokesperson referred to such speculations as "outrageous," given that the actress still suffers from pain every day and has bad days, even though she has physically improved.

“What Selma has been able to do physically in the years since is nothing short of a miracle. She still has bad days, and she lives with pain daily.”

Selma Blair rep cites actress’ neurological condition

Selma Blair also has pseudobulbar affect, which is a neurological disorder that may be experienced by those with multiple sclerosis and may result in uncontrollable laughing or crying.

Her representative said that the condition matters because it could change how a medical incident is perceived by those who don't know about Blair’s health issues.

“Selma also has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition secondary to her MS, which bears directly on how a medical episode presents to people who do not know her. For the same reason, she travels with a service dog who doesn’t leave her side, and the authorities took her dog from her.”

The statement further noted that Selma Blair travels with a service dog, which accompanies her because of her condition.

According to the star's spokesperson, authorities took the dog away from her during the incident.

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Calamigos Ranch Leading Hotels Of The World Accreditation Celebration - Source: Getty

Blair’s spokesperson pointed out the fact that the actress had never been arrested until Sunday evening.

“There is much more to this story than has been reported, and we ask to consider the entirety of the facts before rushing to judgment, whether in the courtroom or in the court of public opinion.”

Blair’s representative did not provide further details about the reported medical emergency.


What happened on Delta Air Lines Flight 938? A brief timeline on Selma Blair’s JFK arrest

The statement comes as charges were filed against her for second-degree assault.

On Oct. 11, she was on Delta Air Lines Flight 938 from Los Angeles to New York, and she reportedly became physically abusive mid-flight.

Reports claimed that she attempted to open an exit door, hit her head on a bulkhead, assaulted one of the flight attendants and bit the other.

During this time, the pilot made a request for emergency police and medical assistance at the airport.

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2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Mark Guiducci - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Upon her arrival at the JFK Airport around 11:00 PM, Blair was detained and transferred to an ambulance by the Port Authority Police Department.

However, she allegedly attacked one of the police officers in the face and later injured the nurse when she reached the hospital.

On the next day, Blair appeared in Queens Criminal Court and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of felony assault in the second degree against the officer and nurse.

The judge set the bail at $20,000, $60,000 bond, or a $60,000 partially secured bond.

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Edited by Gladys Altamarino