Selma Blair Speaks Out After Arrest on Flight, Citing Medical Emergency

Selma Blair has issued a statement addressing her recent arrest following an alleged incident on a Delta flight. Her representative stated that the actress experienced a medical emergency during the flight from Los Angeles to New York, denying that she attempted to open the aircraft door or intended to harm anyone.

Blair's spokesperson told People that the public narrative has been based on a police statement and that speculation has been presented as fact while her team remained silent. The incident occurred on October 11, during which Blair was reportedly disruptive and had to be restrained by the flight crew.

According to 911 audio obtained by TMZ, a pilot requested medical assistance and law enforcement be present upon landing due to an "abusive" passenger. The pilot mentioned "a bloody nose as well as some bite marks" and requested medical attention for flight attendants involved in the incident.

Blair was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and pleaded not guilty on October 12. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, attributed the mid-flight event to Blair potentially missing her multiple sclerosis medication and suffering a fall that caused her to hit her head. Barnes added that Blair had been working extensive hours prior to the flight.

In the statement to People, Blair's team emphasized her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 2018. They noted that she has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition secondary to MS that can affect how medical episodes present. The statement also highlighted Blair's advocacy work for disability rights, the MS community, and the Jewish community, and mentioned that she had no prior arrests.

Delta Air Lines previously issued a statement calling Blair's behavior "unruly" and "unlawful," stating the company has zero tolerance for such conduct. If convicted, Blair faces two to seven years in prison.