Late on Sunday, 11 October, Selma Blair, 54 years old, was taken into custody after a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York landed at John F Kennedy International Airport. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said officers responded to reports of a physically abusive passenger while the aircraft was parked at the gate. Upon landing, Blair and one of the two injured flight attendants were taken to hospital for medical evaluation.
The Guardian and other outlets reported that Blair allegedly punched one flight attendant, bit another and attempted to open the plane's door during the flight, although authorities did not publicly confirm those details. Two flight attendants reported injuries, with one hospitalized. Blair was said to have tried to open the plane's door while the aircraft was still in midair.
BREAKING: Actress Selma Blair was arrested after reportedly trying to open a plane door midflight, punching one flight attendant and biting another aboard a Delta flight to New York’s JFK Airport. Two flight attendants reported injuries, with one taken to the hospital. Blair’s representative said she suffered a medical emergency and is now in stable condition. She remains hospitalized for evaluation as the FBI investigates, and it is unclear whether she will face criminal charges.
A representative for Blair said the actor had experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged behaviour and that she received immediate medical attention after landing and was in a stable condition. A Blair spokesperson echoed this, stating, "Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition." Blair had disclosed in 2018 that she has multiple sclerosis.
An FBI spokesperson later noted, "The FBI is responsible for investigating all assaults aboard aircraft.
The article also references a prior 2016 in‑flight incident on a flight from Cancún to Los Angeles for which Blair later apologised. The chronology notes that Blair was removed from a flight after a disturbance in 2016, and that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018.
Hollywood Actress Selma Blair Arrested For Biting and Punching Flight Crew, Trying to Open Plane Door Mid-flight (PILOT AUDIO) https://t.co/tLtXyvBIeY #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
The FBI confirmed it had been informed of a potential assault aboard the flight but declined to comment further. An FBI spokesperson later noted, "The FBI is responsible for investigating all assaults aboard aircraft." Delta Air Lines issued a statement emphasizing its zero‑tolerance policy towards unruly behaviour, saying the flight had arrived ahead of schedule. In another statement Delta declared, "Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first."
The Associated Press reported that Blair was issued a federal summons accusing her of assault, with the case expected to be handled by the petty violations court at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn; no appearance date had been announced at the time of reporting. The chronology records that Blair was issued a federal summons accusing her of assault.
Blair is known for roles in Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy. After the alleged incident, the flight continued and landed on time at 11 p.m. Police and medical personnel were waiting for the aircraft upon arrival, and Blair was taken into custody immediately. Blair and one of the injured flight attendants were taken to hospital for evaluation.
