Selma Blair’s rep disputes flight allegations after her arrest: What the statement says
Blair’s representative describes a medical emergency and denies an attempt to open the aircraft door. The actress has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.
Selma Blair’s representative said on October 16 that the actress experienced a medical emergency during an October 11 flight from Los Angeles to New York and disputed an allegation that she tried to open the aircraft door. Blair was arrested after the Delta flight landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport; she has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault.
“There was no attempt to open the door of the aircraft,” the representative said in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “Selma did not intend to harm anyone.” The statement challenges an allegation about what happened aboard the plane while Blair faces charges arising from the incident.
What happened on the Delta flight?
The New York Daily News reported that two flight attendants were injured during the flight and that one was treated at a hospital. The Hollywood Reporter said Blair was arrested at JFK and taken to a hospital. It also described allegations that she kicked the police officer taking her there and kicked a nurse in the chest.
Variety reported that the flight landed at JFK ahead of schedule, at approximately 11 p.m., without an operational impact. Delta told Variety that it has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior because the safety of customers and crew comes first.
What did Blair’s representative and lawyer say?
Blair’s representative said the public account of the episode had been built almost entirely on a police statement and a decade-old headline. The New York Daily News reported that the representative gave the statement to People and asked readers to consider the full facts before judging Blair.
At a court appearance, Blair’s lawyer, Shawn Barnes, said she had missed doses of medication used to manage her multiple sclerosis, had worked extensive hours before the flight and struck her head aboard the aircraft, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Barnes offered those details as an explanation; a medical cause for the alleged conduct has not been established.
Where does the assault case stand?
Blair pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and was released on bail, the New York Daily News reported. Variety also reported that the FBI opened an investigation related to the flight incident. Blair’s representative disputes the allegation that she tried to open the aircraft door, while the assault case remains unresolved.
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Sources and context
- Selma Blair Speaks Out on Plane Arrest: “Did Not Intend to Harm Anyone”The Hollywood Reporter
- Selma Blair speaks out after JFK arrest, assault chargesNew York Daily News
- Selma Blair’s Rep Speaks Out After Actress’ Arrest and Plane Incident: ‘Selma Did Not Intend to Harm Anyone’Variety
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.