Actress Selma Blair has been charged with two counts of second degree assault in New York after an incident that started on a Delta flight and continued once the plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Blair, 54, was arrested late Sunday after reports that she became physically aggressive with two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles. She later faces separate claims that she kicked a Port Authority police officer and a hospital nurse while being taken for medical care.

What Happened on the Flight and After Landing

Port Authority police answered a call about a physically abusive passenger on Delta Flight 938 after it arrived at JFK. Two flight attendants said they were hurt, and one was taken to a hospital to be checked. Reports say Blair allegedly punched one attendant and bit another while the plane was still in the air.

After the landing, officers tried to secure Blair on a stretcher so she could be moved to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. One police officer said Blair pulled a leg free from the straps and kicked her several times in the face, neck, and chest, leaving her with swelling and real pain.

At the hospital, a nurse said Blair kicked her in the chest while staff were trying to move her for more treatment.

Court Appearance and Charges

Blair appeared in Queens Criminal Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the two second degree assault charges. The judge set bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond. She was released and is scheduled to return to court in January.

At the same time, the FBI is looking into what happened on the flight and has given Blair a notice about possible federal assault charges. Those matters are expected to be handled in Brooklyn federal court.

Statements from Blair’s Side

Blair’s publicist said the actress had a medical emergency that led to the alleged behavior and that she got medical help right away. In court, her lawyer pointed to Blair’s long battle with multiple sclerosis and said she had missed doses of her medication. The lawyer asked the judge to keep her full record and personal situation in mind.

The case is still in the early stages, with both state and federal matters still open.

When Everything Spins Out of Control

Maybe you were already dealing with pain, exhaustion, or a medical condition that no one around you fully understood. Maybe the situation on the plane or with officers escalated so fast that you barely remember the details clearly. Or maybe you are reading this because someone you care about is now facing serious assault charges and you are trying to make sense of how an ordinary day turned into a criminal case.

These situations are rarely simple. Health issues, stress, medication, and sudden pressure can all collide in ways that leave people facing felony counts they never expected. If this feels familiar and you need legal help, we are here.

Our team handles these kinds of cases. We listen first, then work to protect your rights and guide you through what comes next. Please feel free to reach our office or give us a call through the contact information on our home page.