Selma Blair pleads not guilty to mid-air assault charges after medical episode
Actress Selma Blair pleaded not guilty to assault charges after a medical emergency while flying.
Actress Selma Blair, 54, was arrested after an incident on a Delta flight to New York on Sunday. Blair is accused of punching and biting flight attendants.
Blair pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault. The charges relate to claims she kicked a police officer and a hospital nurse after landing.
Blair's legal team says a medical emergency caused the incident, not criminal intent. Blair has multiple sclerosis, diagnosed publicly in 2018.
Her lawyers say she had missed several doses of her medication for nerve symptoms. She also fell during the flight and hit her head.
The altitude, her missed medication, and exhaustion from long work hours caused severe confusion and disorientation, her lawyer told the court. A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond.
Blair's statement to media disputed the police account. She said there was no attempt to open the aircraft door.
- 54 years old
- Age
- Two counts of second-degree assault
- Charges
- 2018
- MS diagnosis
- $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond
- Bail set
Why it mattersThe case shows how the legal system handles events involving nerve conditions and disability. It raises questions about care standards in high-stress settings.
AustraliaLimited direct Australian impact; primarily a US entertainment and legal story, though disability advocates may follow the outcome.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 56 min ago
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