Actress Selma Blair has addressed her recent arrest following a medical emergency aboard a flight from Los Angeles to New York, with her representative saying she did not intend to harm anyone.
Blair, 54, best known for her roles in Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions, was arrested Sunday after allegedly assaulting two flight attendants during the flight. After the plane landed safely, she was reportedly taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she allegedly kicked a police officer and attacked a nurse.
She pleaded not guilty Monday night to two state assault charges involving the officer and nurse. She also faces separate federal charges, according to the Associated Press.
Representative Says Blair Experienced a Medical Emergency
In a statement to People, Blair’s representative criticized what they described as incomplete media coverage of the incident, arguing that public discussion had relied heavily on police accounts and speculation.
“Selma Blair experienced a medical emergency on the flight,” the spokesperson said, adding that she did not attempt to open the aircraft door and did not intend to hurt anyone.
The representative also emphasized that Blair has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition she publicly disclosed in 2018.
The statement addressed Blair’s diagnosis and another neurological condition, pseudobulbar affect, which can cause involuntary episodes of laughing or crying that do not necessarily reflect a person’s emotions. According to her representative, the condition can affect how a medical episode appears to people unfamiliar with her medical history.
Blair also travels with a service dog, the spokesperson said, adding that authorities took the dog away from her following the incident.
Allegations Surrounding the Flight
According to reports by TMZ and the New York Post, Blair allegedly punched one flight attendant and bit another during the Delta Air Lines flight. Dispatch audio reportedly indicated that one attendant suffered a bloody nose, while another had bite marks. One of the attendants was reportedly taken to a hospital.
After the aircraft landed, Blair allegedly kicked a police officer and assaulted a nurse, leading to additional charges.
Her representative previously said the alleged conduct followed a medical emergency. The allegations have not been established as facts in a criminal trial.
A Career and Advocacy Beyond the Headlines
Blair’s representative also highlighted her professional work and advocacy, saying she had worked on seven film and television projects in 2026 alone, some of which had not yet been announced.
The actress has also launched skincare, clothing and reading-glasses lines designed with accessibility and everyday functionality in mind. She has been a prominent advocate for people living with disabilities and multiple sclerosis.
The statement noted that Blair had never been arrested before Sunday’s incident and urged the public to consider all the facts before reaching conclusions.
“There is much more to this story than has been reported,” the spokesperson said, calling for a more complete account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation and legal proceedings will determine the facts of the case.
