American actress Selma Blair was taken into custody following an alleged incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York, during which two flight attendants reportedly sustained injuries.
Authorities said the incident occurred late Sunday, October 11, as the aircraft arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the reported incident, which has drawn attention because of Blair’s high-profile career in Hollywood.
Blair, 54, was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation after the aircraft landed, according to reports citing the Port Authority Police Department. One of the injured flight attendants was also taken to a hospital for further assessment.
The actress’s representative said a medical emergency preceded the alleged conduct and confirmed that she received medical attention after landing.
What happened aboard the Delta flight?
According to CBS News, the incident occurred aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 938, which was travelling from Los Angeles International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Port Authority police responded at approximately 11 p.m. local time after receiving a report involving a physically abusive passenger. The flight crew reportedly required assistance during the incident.
A law enforcement source cited by CBS News said one flight attendant was bitten, while another sustained a laceration. The precise sequence of events remains subject to investigation.
Air traffic control audio reported by CBS News indicated that the pilot requested medical personnel to meet the aircraft after landing because crew members needed attention for their injuries.
Authorities responded at the airport, and Blair was taken into custody before being transported for medical evaluation.
The reports have not established a complete account of everything that happened aboard the aircraft. The allegations should therefore be distinguished from facts that have been formally established through legal proceedings.
Blair’s representative cites a medical emergency
Following the incident, Blair’s representative said the actress experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.
In a statement reported by CNN and CBS News, the representative said:
“Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.”
The representative added that Blair received immediate medical attention after the plane landed and was in stable condition.
The statement did not provide further details about the medical emergency. It also did not publicly explain the specific circumstances surrounding the reported injuries to the flight attendants.
The medical explanation is an important part of the developing story, but authorities have not publicly established a definitive explanation for the incident.
Blair disclosed in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. However, no confirmed evidence in the reports establishes that her diagnosis caused or contributed to the events aboard the flight.
FBI investigates the reported incident
The FBI is investigating the incident because alleged assaults aboard aircraft fall within its investigative responsibilities.
According to the Associated Press, Blair was issued an FBI summons over allegations that she assaulted two flight attendants aboard the Delta flight. The case concerns alleged assaults within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
“Reports allege that Selma Blair was involved in an incident with flight attendants aboard a plane. The circumstances…”
CBS News separately reported that Blair was taken to a hospital before being transferred to Queens Central Booking for an arraignment on two state assault counts related to additional alleged incidents involving a police officer and a nurse. Those allegations were attributed to law enforcement sources.
The differing procedural details in published reports underline the importance of distinguishing the federal investigation from the reported state charges.
As of October 12, authorities had not released a complete public account of the investigation, and further legal developments could clarify the allegations and the next steps in the case.
Blair has not been found guilty of the alleged conduct. Any determination of criminal responsibility must follow the applicable legal process.
Delta Air Lines responds
Delta Air Lines emphasised the importance of protecting passengers and crew members when responding to questions about the incident.
The airline said:
“Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”
The statement reflects the airline’s position on passenger conduct and the safety of people working aboard its aircraft.
The flight landed without a reported operational disruption, according to published accounts. However, the reported injuries required medical attention, and the incident prompted a response from airport law enforcement.
Incidents involving alleged violence aboard commercial aircraft can require coordination among airline personnel, airport police and federal investigators, depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction involved.
A Hollywood career spanning decades
Blair is widely recognised for her roles in films including Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy. Her work in film and television has made her a familiar figure to international audiences.
In recent years, she has also spoken publicly about living with multiple sclerosis and has advocated for greater awareness of disability and chronic illness.
Her diagnosis became public in 2018, prompting discussions about her experiences in the entertainment industry and the challenges associated with the condition.
The latest incident has placed the actress at the centre of a developing legal story. However, her representative’s statement about a medical emergency and the ongoing investigation remain important context as authorities work to establish what happened.
For now, key questions surrounding the incident, including the full circumstances of the alleged conduct and the legal process that will follow, remain unresolved.
BerliMedia will continue to follow verified developments as more information becomes available.
