By Basant El-Faramawy
Actress Selma Blair has issued a public apology following her arrest on assault charges stemming from an incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York City on October 11. In a video posted to Instagram on Friday, the 54-year-old "Cruel Intentions" star addressed those affected by her actions.
Apology and legal proceedings
"To the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened, alarmed, I am so sorry," Blair said in the video. She acknowledged she had been advised by attorneys not to speak about the case but said she is taking the legal matter "very seriously." Blair was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court earlier this month and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault. The charges relate to allegations that she became physically abusive during the flight, injuring two flight attendants, and later kicked a Port Authority police officer and a nurse at a hospital.
Medical emergency cited
Blair's attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court at her October 12 arraignment that her actions resulted from a medical emergency. He cited her diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and Parkinsonism, noting she had missed several medication doses and fell, hitting her head during the flight. Blair revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. Her representative also stated she "experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct."
Next court date
The case has been adjourned until January 19, according to the district attorney's office. Blair concluded her video by thanking supporters and saying she will focus on her health and her son.
