Selma Blair was arrested Sunday night after an alleged violent incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York. The actress is accused of punching one flight attendant and biting another before allegedly kicking a police officer and a nurse after the plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Now, Blair’s attorney is speaking out about what he says sparked the troubling incident.
Selma Blair’s Attorney Explains Her Alleged Behavior Following Arrest
During Blair’s Oct. 12 arraignment, attorney Shawn Barnes told the court that the actress had missed several doses of medication used to manage her multiple sclerosis. He also claimed Blair had hit her head during the flight and had been working “extensive hours and exhaustive hours” on set before boarding the plane, per Page Six.
Barnes argued that the combination of those factors and the altitude resulted in what he described as “severe confusion and disorientation,” insisting that the alleged assaults were not intentional.
Judge Says Blair Shouldn’t Receive Special Treatment
During the hearing, Selma Blair was visibly emotional, and at one point Reitzas could be seen wiping tears from her face. Reitzas asked that the judge consider Blair’s body of work, calling her the “gold standard.” However, Judge Khan said she wouldn’t consider the actress’ fame in the case.
“Ms. Blair should not get special treatment because she is a celebrity,” the judge declared. The “Legally Blonde” star is now facing federal assault allegations due to the in-flight incident, as well as two state charges from the alleged attacks on the nurse and police officer.
Why Is the FBI Investigating the Flight Incident?
The FBI is currently investigating the incident that occurred aboard the Delta flight because certain offenses that occur on an aircraft fall under federal jurisdiction, via Washington Post.
According to the Associated Press, Blair’s federal charges are expected to be handled through petty violations court in Brooklyn. A date for her federal court appearance had not been set.
Unfortunately, Selma Blair’s arrest comes 10 years after another in-flight incident, where she was removed from a plane on a stretcher after a disturbing episode in June 2016. She later said the incident happened after she mixed alcohol with medication, causing her to black out. She publicly apologized afterward.
Her attorneys are claiming medication misuse again, only stating the missed dose of her prescription medication was a contributing factor in the latest incident.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a disease that impacts the nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. The condition can impair balance, vision, movement, sensation, and coordination, as well as cause fatigue.
Other famous faces have also been diagnosed with the disease. Stars including Christina Applegate, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Montel Williams, and Jack Osbourne have disclosed their battle with the condition, per Everyday Health.
Many of those celebrities who have been diagnosed with MS have been outspoken about their struggles, and an advocate for others dealing with the impact of the disease.
For now, Selma Blair’s legal troubles are far from over, and questions remain about what led to the alleged midair altercation. With charges hanging over her, the actress will have to navigate the fallout and possible consequences that may come following her time in court.
Amanda Lynne focuses on human interest news, entertainment topics, and trending news. She has nearly 20 years of experience writing online news for several outlets.
