Actress Selma Blair was arrested after a cross-country flight descended into chaos, with the “Legally Blonde” star accused of trying to open an aircraft door and attacking two flight attendants. Authorities detained Blair after the Delta Air Lines jet arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday night. One crew member and Blair were taken to a hospital for evaluation. The actress faces state charges over alleged assaults after landing and a separate federal charge tied to her alleged conduct aboard the aircraft.
The incident occurred aboard Delta Flight 938, which was traveling from Los Angeles International Airport to JFK on October 11, 2026. Port Authority police said officers responded at approximately 11 p.m., after the aircraft had parked at its gate. Blair, 54, is known for her roles in “Cruel Intentions,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Hellboy.” Fox News covered the arrest and its aftermath during Monday’s edition of “America Reports.”
A pilot requested medical personnel for two flight attendants before the plane reached the gate, according to air traffic control communications. “A bloody nose as well as some bite marks,” the pilot reported while explaining the crew members’ injuries. He said ambulances were unnecessary but asked that medical personnel be ready to examine the employees. One flight attendant was later transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
Fox News reported that Blair allegedly attempted to open a plane door during the flight before punching one attendant and biting another. Crew members reportedly intervened and placed her in restraints aboard the plane. Police were waiting when the aircraft arrived in New York. The FBI subsequently opened an investigation into the conduct aboard the plane.
The allegations continued after Blair was removed from the aircraft and taken for medical treatment. According to charging documents, Blair pulled a leg free while a Port Authority police officer was securing her to a stretcher and repeatedly kicked the officer around the face, neck, and chest. The officer reported serious pain and substantial swelling. Blair was also accused of kicking a nurse in the chest after reaching Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
Blair’s representative attributed the episode to a medical emergency. “Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct,” the representative said. The representative added that Blair received immediate medical attention after landing and was in stable condition. The pilot had also told controllers that the disruptive passenger appeared to have struck her head against a bulkhead and might require an examination.
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Blair appeared in Queens court Monday night and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault involving the officer and nurse. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court that Blair, who has multiple sclerosis, had missed several doses of what he called “a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms,” according to the Associated Press. Barnes said she had worked extensive hours before boarding the flight and fell and hit her head while aboard the aircraft. “These factors, coupled with the altitude, resulted in a state of severe confusion and disorientation,” he said.
“This was not an intentional assault,” Barnes told the court. The judge set bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond, and Blair later left the courthouse with her attorneys. The FBI also issued her a notice charging her with assault over her alleged actions aboard the aircraft. That matter will be handled through the petty violations court in federal court in Brooklyn.
Blair previously apologized following another incident aboard a Delta flight in 2016, when she was removed from a plane traveling from Cancun to Los Angeles. She later said she had combined alcohol with medication and blacked out. Delta addressed Sunday’s incident in a statement without discussing every allegation individually. “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first,” the airline said.
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.