Selma Blair faces two assault charges following an alleged disturbance on a Delta flight, with her representatives citing a medical emergency.

Selma Blair Charged With Second-Degree Assault After Flight Standoff

October 13, 2026: Actress Selma Blair has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault after an alleged attack on a police officer and a hospital nurse who responded to a medical emergency on a Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York.

Ms. Blair, 54, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday. She appeared in Queens Criminal Court on Monday. The judge ordered $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond and she was released.

At a glance

What happened: Actress Selma Blair faces two state assault charges after an alleged attack on a police officer and nurse.

When: The flight incident occurred on Sunday, October 11, with court appearances on Monday, October 12.

What’s next: Ms. Blair has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges and could face additional federal charges related to the flight.

What are the charges against Selma Blair?

According to The Associated Press, the police report alleged that Ms. Blair “kicked a Port Authority police officer who had secured her to a stretcher,” and later “kicked a nurse in the chest at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.”

It is alleged that the incidents occurred following the flight, when Ms. Blair was taken to the hospital for treatment. The allegations against Ms. Blair are not proven claims.

Ms. Blair is also accused of additional federal charges related to the alleged in-flight incident, according to Reuters. The separate accusation suggests that two flight attendants were injured. However, the federal charges are not related to the two state assault charges.

What has Selma Blair’s representative said?

Ms. Blair’s representative blamed the alleged incidents on a medical emergency, according to Reuters. She reported that Ms. Blair was treated after landing and is currently recovering well.

In the court, her attorney, Shawn Barnes, argued that Ms. Blair’s actions were “not willful,” as alleged by the state, according to Associated Press. Ms. Blair has spoken publicly about having multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system, in which she was diagnosed in 2018. However, her representative’s argument does not prove that a medical emergency caused the alleged assault occurred.

What’s next for Selma Blair’s case?

The actress’s plea of not guilty to the charge of second-degree assault indicates that the case is not closed. According to published reports, the next hearing for the state charges is scheduled for January 2027.

Ms. Blair’s case could proceed on two separate tracks, dealing with the state and federal charges. Until proven guilty, the allegations against Ms. Blair should be regarded as unproven accusations.

More to know

Ms. Blair is a former television and film star, known for her roles in Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde and is an activist and public figure representing people with multiple sclerosis. However, the case against her is notable for the alleged in-flight altercation that led to the charges.

Ms. Blair’s legal situation is complicated following her appearance in court on October 12. She has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges and her representative blamed the incident on a medical emergency.

However, Business Fortune concludes, these allegations will be evaluated and determined by the court.

Sources

Reuters . The Associated Press