Selma Blair Accused of Kicking Nurse Hours After JFK Flight Arrest
Actress reportedly assaulted hospital staff after being taken into custody following an alleged in-flight incident.
Actress Selma Blair is accused of kicking a nurse in the chest at a Queens hospital several hours after her arrest for an alleged incident aboard a Delta flight that had arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The criminal court affidavit states that registered nurse Ashley DeLeo was assisting in transporting Blair for further medical treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center around 2 a.m. on October 12 when the alleged assault occurred. The affidavit claims Blair kicked DeLeo in the chest, causing her substantial pain.
Blair, 54, was arraigned on Monday on two counts of second-degree assault. Port Authority police had responded to a call about a "physically abusive passenger" on Delta Flight 938, which had traveled from Los Angeles. Two flight attendants reportedly sustained injuries, with one requiring hospitalization.
The court document also alleges that Blair kicked a Port Authority police officer while being moved from JFK's Terminal 4 into an ambulance at the airport's B22 exit ramp. Officer Maria Suarez reportedly suffered swelling to her jaw and pain to her face, neck, and chest. Suarez was treated at a local hospital.
Delta stated that it has "zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first."
A representative for Blair said the actress experienced a medical emergency during the flight. "Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct," the representative said. "Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition."
During the court appearance, Blair's attorney argued that the incident was not intentional, stating that she had missed doses of a medication for severe neurological symptoms and had been working extensive hours. The attorney also claimed Blair fell and hit her head during the flight, leading to confusion and disorientation.
Despite these claims, Judge Indira Kahn stated in court that she believed Blair poses a risk. Blair was released on bond and is scheduled to return to court in January.