Selma Blair pleads not guilty to assault charges in Queens

Actor Selma Blair entered a denial of guilt during an arraignment in a Queens courtroom on Monday night. The proceeding addresses state counts stemming from physical confrontations after an inbound flight. Police took her into custody following the trip.

The events began on Delta flight 938 from Los Angeles to New York City on Sunday evening. Blair is accused of injuring two flight attendants during the flight.

Transport workers moved the 54-year-old actor from John F. Kennedy Airport to a hospital in Queens. She freed her leg from stretcher constraints during the trip, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint says she kicked a Port Authority police officer repeatedly about the face, neck and chest. Medical workers took the officer to a local hospital for treatment.

Blair kicked a nurse in the chest at the hospital, according to the complaint. She answered two counts of assault in court on Monday night. She also faces separate federal charges for actions on the airplane.

Defense lawyer Shawn Barnes spoke in court on Monday night. He said Blair missed multiple doses of medication before the event. She hit her head inside the cabin.

Barnes said that injury contributed to severe confusion and disorientation. Her representative issued a statement about her condition.

Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition.

The judge set bond at $60,000, or $20,000 in cash. Blair departed with her lawyers. Another hearing date is set for January 2027.

Delta did not detail the events on the airplane in its statement. The airline stated that crew and customer safety always comes first.

Blair had no prior arrests. She apologized in 2016 for statements on a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles. She said she mixed alcohol with medication and blacked out.

Blair announced in 2018 that she has multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Symptoms include memory issues and mood changes.

Arraignments allow defendants to hear formal charges and enter initial pleas before a judge. State and federal jurisdictions handle distinct offenses under separate court processes in Queens. Bail terms secure future appearances for scheduled hearings.

The case continues next year. The court docket lists the next session for January 2027.