By Karim Hammam
Actor Selma Blair, 54, appeared in a New York court on 12 October and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault stemming from an incident on a Delta flight to New York City. She was released on bail.
Instagram Apology
In a video posted to Instagram on 30 October, Blair addressed the arrest for the first time, fighting back tears. She said her followers "deserve to hear from me directly" and apologised to "the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened." Blair stated she takes the matter very seriously and insisted she has never intended to hurt or frighten anyone.
Representative Cites Medical Emergency
A statement issued through her representative to People magazine said Blair experienced a "medical emergency" on the flight and denied reports that she attempted to open the aircraft door. The spokesperson noted Blair's multiple sclerosis diagnosis, public since 2018, and pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition secondary to MS that affects how a medical episode presents. They also said authorities took her service dog from her.
Allegations and Evidence
Blair was accused of punching a flight attendant, biting another crew member, and assaulting a nurse and a Port Authority police officer. Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ indicated crew injuries included a bloody nose and bite marks, with one attendant taken to hospital. Audio also captured Blair screaming repeatedly as alarms sounded. Her earlier statement said she received immediate medical attention upon landing and was in stable condition.
