Actress Selma Blair has issued her first public apology following her October 11 arrest at John F. Kennedy International Airport, telling fans she never intended to cause harm. Blair faces two felony assault counts after an incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles that prompted police intervention and hospital evaluation.
Selma Blair broke weeks of silence on October 30, posting an emotional video to Instagram addressing the incident that resulted in her arrest following Delta Flight 938. The 54-year-old actress, known for roles in Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, acknowledged she had been quiet since October 11 and stated that her legal counsel had advised her to withhold specifics about the flight itself. In her video, she defended her character and told viewers that not one day in her life has she intended to hurt or frighten anyone.
What I can tell you, though, is very simple, and the truest thing I know about myself, and that not one day ever have I intended to hurt or frighten anyone a day in my life. And so to the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened, alarmed: I am so sorry.
Selma Blair
The actress thanked supporters who reached out with messages of care for her and her son, adding that her Labrador service dog, Scout, who accompanied her on the flight, was doing well. Blair obtained the dog five years ago following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Blair concluded that she intends to focus on her health, her son, and those who support her with gratitude and love.
Arrest at JFK Airport and Charges in Queens Criminal Court
Air traffic control audio and 911 dispatch audio revealed that pilots notified personnel prior to landing that one flight attendant sustained a bloody nose and another had visible bite marks, requesting medical assistance and law enforcement officers to be standing by when the plane landed. Additional footage captured Blair screaming after being removed from the aircraft. Blair was arraigned the following day in Queens Criminal Court on two counts of second-degree assault under New York Penal Law. A judge set her bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond. She pleaded not guilty and was subsequently released on bond.
Medical Factors and Legal Defense Arguments in Court
During the October 12 court appearance, defense attorney Shawn Barnes argued that the actress’s actions were unintentional. According to her legal representation, these combined factors at altitude produced a state of severe confusion and disorientation.
Representatives for the actress previously issued statements addressing her health history, emphasizing her public battle with multiple sclerosis diagnosed in August 2018. Spokespersons noted that Blair lives with pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition secondary to MS that can cause sudden, uncontrollable emotional expressions and bears directly on how a medical episode presents to individuals unfamiliar with the condition. Representatives also dismissed rumors questioning the validity of her MS diagnosis as outrageous, noting that she worked on seven film and television projects in 2026 alone.
Federal Scrutiny and Next Court Date in January 2027
Beyond the state prosecution in Queens, law enforcement officials confirmed that Blair was separately served with a summons by the FBI and is facing one charge of assault.
The state criminal case was adjourned to January 19, 2027, when Blair is expected back before the court in Queens.
Selma Blair breaks silence over JFK airport arrest, issues apology https://t.co/Bcj1Ibtvke @SelmaBlair
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SELMA BLAIR ADDRESSES PLANE INCIDENT AND ARREST Selma Blair took to Instagram to personally address the altercation that transpired on a Delta flight to New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport on Oct. 11. READ: https://t.co/NtJ2fxt80t pic.twitter.com/0F9rgebnAR
Selma Blair Breaks Silence On JFK Airport Arrest: "I Take This Very Seriously" https://t.co/JQkzN8Mdwn