What are the charges against actress Selma Blair? Details explored as actress pays $20000 bail money

On October 11, 2026, Selma Blair was taken into custody after a disturbance on a Delta flight. The 54-year-old actress was traveling from Los Angeles to New York on Flight 938.

Authorities identified her as the passenger involved once the plane reached John F. Kennedy International Airport. As reported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, officers responded to a call about a physically abusive passenger that evening. The flight crew had already restrained her before landing.

Reports from TMZ described what unfolded in the air. She allegedly punched one flight attendant and bit another. She also tried to open the plane door while the aircraft was still airborne.

Two attendants ended up injured. One had a bite mark and the other a laceration. One of them went to a hospital for treatment. Air traffic control audio mentioned a bloody nose, bite marks, and the passenger hitting her head on a bulkhead. As per TMZ, law enforcement and the FBI met the plane at the gate around 11 pm ET.

As reported by People, Selma Blair was taken by ambulance to Jamaica Hospital for evaluation. While being secured to a stretcher, she allegedly kicked a Port Authority officer repeatedly in the face, neck, and chest. The officer suffered swelling and pain.

Later at the hospital, she was accused of kicking a nurse in the chest. She was charged with two counts of second-degree assault for the alleged incidents involving the officer and the nurse. The FBI also issued a federal summons tied to the events on the plane.

A representative for Selma Blair issued a statement on the matter. According to ABC News, the representative said:

"Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition."

Delta also responded. The airline said it has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior and that customer and crew safety comes first.

Selma Blair's court appearance and the explanation from her lawyer

As reported by Page Six, Selma Blair appeared in Queens Criminal Court the next day, October 12. She stood before Judge Indira Khan and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault. Those charges related to the alleged incidents with the officer and the nurse. According to Page Six, the judge set bail at $20,000 cash, $60,000 bond, or a partially secured bond of the same amount.

She posted the $20,000 and was released that night. The court issued an order of protection for the nurse. Her next hearing is set for January 19, 2027. As reported by Page Six, if convicted on the state charges, she could face two to seven years. The FBI separately issued a summons for assaults within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. That federal matter is expected to be handled in Brooklyn.

Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, addressed the court about the circumstances. He said Blair had missed doses of her medication for multiple sclerosis. She had also been working long hours on set in the days before the flight and had fallen and hit her head. Shawn Barnes explained that those factors, combined with the altitude, left her in a state of severe confusion and disorientation.

As reported by Page Six, he told the judge:

"This was not an intentional assault."

Trending

As reported by the New York Daily News, Selma Blair appeared emotional during the hearing. She left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. Her service dog, which had been with her on the flight, stayed with her legal team afterward.

In the weeks before the flight, Selma Blair had been active publicly. As reported by the Hollywood Reporter, she spoke at an Anti-Defamation League event in New York on October 1. There she discussed recent professional setbacks and announced a documentary she is making called Hineni. She is also part of an upcoming film, Schmoolie the Deathwatcher.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback