Actress Selma Blair says she ‘did not intend to harm anyone’ in plane altercation

by | Oct 17, 2026 | Entertainment

Actress Selma Blair says she 'did not intend to harm anyone' in plane altercation

Selma Blair has responded to accusations that she assaulted multiple individuals on a Delta Airlines flight traveling from Los Angeles to New York. Through her publicist, the 54-year-old actress stated she did not intend to cause harm and that she experienced a medical emergency during the flight. Blair pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting an officer and a nurse following her removal from the aircraft, as well as assaulting two flight attendants aboard the plane.

Blair’s representatives contested the public narrative surrounding the incident, characterizing media accounts as being based primarily on police statements and outdated information. They also disputed reports that the actress attempted to open the aircraft door. The statement emphasized that a complete understanding of events requires consideration of medical factors relevant to Blair’s case.

The actress’s team highlighted her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, which she disclosed publicly in 2018 and announced she was in remission from in 2021. According to the statement, Blair continues to experience difficult days related to the condition despite her remission status. Additionally, the publicist noted that Blair has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of emotional expression that do not correspond with actual feelings. Such episodes can manifest as involuntary laughing, crying, or anger.

Airport officials in New York responded to a call reporting a physically abusive passenger on the flight. Two flight attendants sustained injuries, with one receiving hospital treatment. According to audio from air traffic control obtained by CBS News, a pilot reported observing a bloody nose and bite marks. Blair was arrested, hospitalized, and subsequently charged with assault under federal maritime jurisdiction. Two additional state-level assault charges were filed following her removal from the plane. She was released on bail after pleading not guilty to all charges. Blair’s publicist noted this marked her first arrest.

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