NEW YORK— Actor Selma Blair was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York on Sunday night after an alleged disturbance aboard a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from Los Angeles. Authorities subsequently charged Blair with two counts of second-degree assault over separate allegations involving a police officer and a nurse who attended to her after the aircraft landed.
The incident involved Delta flight 938, which arrived at JFK with reports of injuries to two flight attendants. Port Authority officials said officers responded to a report of a physically abusive passenger while the aircraft was parked at the gate, after which Blair was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Delta Flight Attendant Assaulted by Blair
Reports from multiple media outlets alleged that Blair punched one flight attendant, bit another and attempted to open an aircraft door during the flight. The airline, law enforcement agencies, and the FBI had not publicly provided a complete account of the alleged events aboard the aircraft.
An air traffic control recording captured the pilot reporting minor injuries to a passenger and a flight attendant, including a bloody nose and bite marks.
The pilot requested medical personnel at the gate to examine the injured individuals, while the controller confirmed that paramedics were approaching and law enforcement officers were already present.
The Port Authority said two flight attendants reported injuries, with one taken to hospital for further evaluation. Delta stated that it has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behaviour, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains its priority.
The FBI, which handles alleged federal crimes committed aboard aircraft, issued Blair a notice charging her in connection with the onboard incident, according to an Associated Press report citing a federal law enforcement official.
The case is expected to proceed through the federal court system in Brooklyn, although no appearance date had been announced in the initial reports.
Assault Charges Filed Against Blair
Blair faced separate charges in Queens after authorities alleged that she assaulted two healthcare and law enforcement personnel following the flight.
The allegations concern an encounter with a police officer transporting her to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and a subsequent incident involving a nurse inside the hospital.
According to charging documents, the officer alleged that Blair pulled one leg free from the restraints on a stretcher and repeatedly kicked her in the face, neck, and chest. The officer reported substantial swelling and serious pain, while the nurse alleged that Blair kicked her in the chest, causing substantial pain.
A judge set Blair’s bail at $20,000 in cash or $60,000 in bond, and scheduled her next hearing for January. Blair left the courthouse with her lawyers on Monday night, according to the reports.
Blair’s publicist told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor had experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. The publicist added that Blair received immediate medical attention after landing and was in stable condition.
Previous Similar Flight Incidents
The latest allegations have renewed attention on a separate in-flight incident involving Blair in 2016.
During a flight from CancĂşn, Mexico, to Los Angeles, she reportedly began screaming uncontrollably and was removed from the aircraft on a stretcher.
Blair later apologized, saying she had mixed alcohol with medication, which caused her to black out and behave in ways she deeply regretted.
The earlier episode was reported separately from the current investigation.
The actor publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. Her film credits include Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy, while her work on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl – The Definitive Edition earned her a 2011 Grammy nomination in the spoken-word album category for children.
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