Actress Selma Blair reportedly missed several doses of a strong medication and suffered a head injury before experiencing a significant outburst on a flight bound for JFK on Sunday night, according to her legal team.
The “Cruel Intentions” actress was taken into custody and arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Monday, facing two charges of assault for allegedly kicking a police officer and physically confronting a nurse while being transported to a hospital following her tumultuous behavior on a Delta Airlines flight.
During the arraignment, Blair’s attorney, Shawn Barnes, insisted, “This was not an intentional assault,” while addressing accusations that she hit one flight attendant and bit another.
“Ms. Blair missed several doses of… a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms,” Barnes elaborated, noting that she lives with multiple sclerosis.
He explained that Blair boarded the flight from Los Angeles after a demanding work schedule, stating, “Ms. Blair boarded this flight after being on set and working extensive hours leading up to this flight.” Additionally, he mentioned that she had fallen and hit her head during the journey.
“These combined factors, in conjunction with the altitude, resulted in significant confusion and disorientation,” Barnes remarked.
Judge Indira Kahn set Blair’s bail at $20,000 in cash and $60,000 in bond during the court hearing, while denying a request to remove her handcuffs in the courtroom.
Another attorney representing her, Joshua Reitzas, attempted to offer a more sympathetic view, wiping her tears as she entered the courthouse in a casual gray sweater. “Consider her body of work and what she’s done for people,” he argued, asserting that Blair is “the gold standard” who deserves recognition.
Judge Kahn responded, stating, “Ms. Blair should not get special treatment because she is a celebrity.” After the hearing, Blair posted bail and left the court without making any comments while showing signs of distress.
She was also instructed to keep her distance from the nurse she allegedly assaulted during her transport to Jamaica Hospital, where she reportedly kicked the nurse in the chest after breaking free from her restraints.
The complaint indicated that Blair kicked a Port Authority Police Officer multiple times in the face, neck, and chest while being taken away in an ambulance from JFK, resulting in swelling and significant pain for the officer. The nurse also experienced considerable discomfort due to the incident.
Before landing in New York, Blair had an explosive episode, where she allegedly attacked one flight attendant and bit another, leading to injuries that required hospitalization for one crew member.
While one attendant suffered a bite to the hand, the other sustained a cut during the chaotic scene. Blair was recorded screaming, “Please stop! No, no! Please don’t! Let me go!” as she was escorted off the plane, according to footage obtained by TMZ.
In addition to the state charges, she may also face a federal violation for “assault committed within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,” which, while not a felony, can result in up to a year in prison.
If convicted of the state-level assault charges, Blair could be looking at a sentence of two to seven years. She is set to return to court on January 19.
