Actress Selma Blair was arrested on federal charges after an alleged incident aboard a Delta Airlines flight on Sunday, during which she is accused of attempting to open a plane door mid-flight and assaulting flight attendants. The flight, traveling from Los Angeles to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, landed ahead of schedule.
Sources told TMZ that Blair, 54, tried to open the aircraft door while in the air. This action reportedly led to a confrontation with the crew, during which she is alleged to have punched one flight attendant and bitten another. In 911 audio, a pilot described the passenger as "abusive" and reported that crew members sustained "a bloody nose and some bite marks." The pilot also stated that the passenger had "bashed her head on the bulkhead" and might require medical attention.
Blair posted content to Instagram from the plane shortly before the alleged incident. The post included selfies, pictures of her dog, and an aerial view, captioned, "From LA to New Mexico to La to nyc to LA Scout and I have been busy. I miss you."
Upon landing at JFK, Blair was reportedly placed in restraints. While being transported to the hospital via ambulance, she is accused of kicking a Port Authority police officer in the head. The incident continued at the hospital, where she allegedly assaulted a nurse who has since pressed charges.
The FBI has since filed two federal assault charges against Blair for the alleged assaults on the flight attendants. She also faces state charges for allegedly assaulting the police officer and the nurse.
Blair's representative stated that the actress "experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct" and that she "received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition."
A spokesperson for Delta confirmed the incident occurred on October 11 and stated that the airline "has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first." Law enforcement responded to the flight's arrival at JFK.