Selma Blair pleads not guilty to assault charges after airplane incident

Actor Selma Blair pleaded not guilty in a New York court on Monday (October 12) to assault charges after authorities alleged she kicked a police officer and a nurse following a disturbance aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York.

Prosecutors told Queens Criminal Court that Blair kicked a Port Authority Police officer in the face, neck and chest while being transported for treatment after her arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

They said the officer suffered facial swelling and pain. Prosecutors further alleged that Blair later kicked a nurse in the chest at a hospital. They requested bail of $20,000 cash or a $60,000 partially secured bond.

Defense attorney Shawn Barnes argued the incident was the result of a medical emergency rather than intentional criminal conduct. 

He told the court that Blair, 54, suffers from multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease and had missed several doses of medication before boarding the flight. Barnes said Blair had also worked long hours and struck her head during the trip, resulting in severe confusion and disorientation. 

Judge Indira D. Khan set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond and scheduled Blair’s next court appearance for January 2027. 

The FBI is separately investigating the alleged onboard incident involving flight attendants.