Selma Blair Breaks Silence Following October Airplane Arrest
The actress issued an emotional video statement apologizing to those affected by the mid-flight incident while maintaining she never meant to cause harm.
Actress Selma Blair has broken her silence nearly three weeks after her arrest on an October 11 flight to New York City, releasing an emotional video statement to express remorse to those affected by her behavior. The 54-year-old star shared the video on Instagram, directly addressing the public for the first time since the shocking incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles.
Looking somber and fighting back tears, Blair explained that her legal counsel has advised her against discussing the specifics of the ongoing case. However, she emphasized that causing distress was never her intention. "Not one day ever have I intended to hurt or frighten anyone a day in my life," Blair said in the clip. "To the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened, alarmed, I am so sorry."
The airplane incident resulted in serious charges after law enforcement officials reported that Blair allegedly punched and bit flight attendants while airborne. Following the plane's arrival at JFK Airport, she was transported for medical evaluation, during which authorities accused her of kicking a Port Authority police officer in the head, neck, and chest inside the ambulance, as well as assaulting a hospital nurse upon arrival.
Blair appeared in a Queens courtroom on October 12, where she emotionally pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of second-degree assault involving the officer and nurse. She was subsequently released on bond. Her next court date is officially scheduled for January 19, 2027, and she could potentially face federal charges as well.
In the wake of the arrest, representatives for the actress maintained that she experienced a medical emergency during the journey. Her spokesperson explained that Blair suffered from confusion after missing doses of her multiple sclerosis medication. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, Blair also manages pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition tied to her MS that can heavily influence how a medical episode appears to others.
The representative previously pushed back against speculation surrounding her condition, noting that her service dog, Scout, travels constantly by her side. In her video statement, Blair offered heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, noting that their kind messages have provided immense comfort to her, her 15-year-old son Arthur, and her service dog, who remains okay.
Concluding her message to the public, the Cruel Intentions star shared that she is shifting her focus entirely toward personal well-being and her family. "So right now I'm going to be taking care of my health and my son," Blair stated, sending love and appreciation to everyone who reached out during the difficult period.
Sources
- Selma Blair Breaks Silence on Airplane Arrest, Says She Never Intended Harm tmz.com
- Selma Blair Breaks Silence on Airplane Arrest: ‘Not One Day Have I Ever Intended to Hurt Anyone’ yahoo.com
- Selma Blair Fights Back Tears While Apologizing for Flight Incident: ‘Taking Care of My Health and Son’ usmagazine.com