Selma Blair fought back tears as she addressed her October 11 airplane arrest in an Instagram video posted Friday, October 30. It was her first personal video statement about the incident.
The actress said her lawyers had advised her not to discuss what happened that day while the legal case proceeds. She was following their advice and taking the matter seriously.
Blair, 54, faces two state felony assault charges involving a police officer and a nurse after the flight. She has pleaded not guilty.
The Legally Blonde actress shares her 15-year-old son, Arthur, with fashion designer Jason Bleick. Her service dog, Scout, was traveling with her when the incident occurred.
Blair Apologizes and Thanks Those Who Reached Out
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Blair began by telling followers they deserved to hear from her directly and apologizing for the wait. “Not one day ever have I intended to hurt or frighten anyone,” she said, according to Just Jared.
She then addressed people she had disappointed, hurt, frightened or alarmed, telling them, “I am so sorry.”
Blair thanked those who had written, called or sent messages of support, saying their kindness had meant everything to her and her son. She also assured viewers that Scout was doing well.
She closed by saying she would concentrate on caring for her health and her son.
The State Charges Concern Alleged Encounters After the Flight
Blair was aboard Delta Flight 938 from Los Angeles to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Port Authority police responded to reports of a physically abusive passenger after the aircraft reached its gate, according to ABC News.
She was accused of punching one flight attendant and biting another. Port Authority officials said two flight attendants reported injuries, with one taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Blair was also transported for medical care.
The subsequent criminal complaint alleges that she repeatedly kicked an officer in the face, neck and chest while being secured to a stretcher. At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, she allegedly kicked a nurse in the chest during treatment.
At her October 12 arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, the judge set bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond. Blair was later released on bond. The two second-degree assault counts are separate from a federal assault violation notice concerning the onboard incident, ABC reported.
Her Legal Team Says She Experienced a Medical Emergency
Blair’s representatives attributed the episode to a medical emergency. They also denied an earlier allegation that she had tried to open an aircraft door during the flight.
Blair publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court she had missed several doses of medication and had been working exhausting hours.
He also said she fell and hit her head during the journey, arguing that these circumstances had left her confused and disoriented, as Us Weekly reported.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 19, 2027, according to TMZ.