Selma Blair Appears at '90s Con Amidst Legal Troubles
Actress makes first public appearance since her arrest for alleged assault on a flight, maintaining her scheduled convention appearances.
Selma Blair made her first public appearance on Friday at '90s Con, days after her arrest for an alleged violent outburst on a Delta Air Lines flight. The actress arrived at the convention accompanied by her comfort dog and was seen interacting with fans.
Blair, 54, told a fan at the event, "I'm doing good. I'm a little nervous, but I'm doing good." An eyewitness described her as "very upbeat" and "very jovial" during her time at the pop culture event. Fans could purchase autographs and selfies with Blair for $60, a combo for $100, and professional photo ops for $85.
That's 4 Entertainment, the organizer of the convention, had previously confirmed Blair's participation despite her facing two counts of second-degree assault. The company announced on Instagram, "Selma Blair will be joining us at '90s Con as planned. See you there!"
The incident leading to Blair's arrest occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. According to 911 dispatch audio, the pilot reported Blair as an "abusive" passenger who allegedly punched one flight attendant and bit another, causing injuries that required medical attention. Separate audio captured Blair screaming as she was removed from the plane and restrained.
A Delta Air Lines spokesperson stated, "Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first."
Blair's representative attributed the event to a "medical emergency," stating she received immediate medical attention upon landing. While being transported to the hospital, Blair allegedly kicked a Port Authority police officer and later assaulted a nurse, who pressed charges. Blair pleaded not guilty to the two counts of second-degree assault and was released on bail, facing a potential sentence of two to seven years if convicted.
One of Blair's attorneys, Shawn Barnes, suggested that the actress had missed prescribed medication for her multiple sclerosis, had fallen and hit her head prior to the flight, and had been working long hours. Barnes stated, "These factors coupled with the altitude resulted in a state of severe confusion and disorientation. This was not an intentional assault."
Blair's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Andy Kiernan, posted an Instagram Story on Tuesday urging the public to "pray for Selma," adding, "She has a good heart. She hasn't yet got [sic] the help she needs. Pray that she does. She's a human being like the rest of us."