Actor Selma Blair faces court after alleged midair rampage on flight to New York
Actor Selma Blair has been reportedly released on bail after pleading not guilty to two assaults following an alleged violent incident aboard a flight to New York while she was in “a state of severe confusion and disorientation” after missing “powerful” medication.
The Cruel Intentions star, 54, had allegedly become physically abusive and injured two Delta flight attendants on Sunday (Monday AEDT). During the flight from Los Angeles to New York, Blair was restrained after allegedly punched one flight attendant midair, biting another and attempting to open the aircraft door during the flight, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
After landing, the Legally Blonde actor allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital for an evaluation and later allegedly kicked a nurse once she got there.
On Monday (Tuesday AEDT), Blair pleaded not guilty in a New York court to two assault charges relating to the officer and the nurse, according to the Associated Press. She also faces separate federal charges from the FBI, which investigates alleged assaults aboard aircraft.
Charging documents state while a police officer was securing Blair to a stretcher en route to the hospital, the actor pulled a leg from the straps and allegedly kicked her repeatedly around the face, neck and chest, causing serious pain and substantial swelling.
A nurse moving Blair also alleged she was kicked in the chest, causing substantial pain.
Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault and her lawyer entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. According to the Associated Press, the actor appeared to cry as she stood in court in handcuffs, wearing jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt.
Lawyer Shawn Barnes told the court that “this was not an intentional assault,” according to the New York Post. He said the actor, who has multiple sclerosis, “missed several doses of … a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms”.
“Blair boarded this flight after being on set and working extensive hours and exhaustive hours in the days leading up to this flight,” Barnes said. “Additionally, at one point, during the flight, there was an incident where Miss Blair actually fell and hit her head.
“These factors, coupled with the altitude, resulted in a state of severe confusion and disorientation.”
The judge set her bail at $US20,000 cash ($28,600) or $US60,000 bond and set the next hearing for January.
In audio recorded by a witness and obtained by TMZ, Blair can allegedly be heard screaming as she exited the plane in New York. In a separate dispatch audio also obtained by TMZ, officials can be heard requesting medical personnel at the gate after reports of minor injuries, including a bloody nose and bite marks.
Delta told the Hollywood Reporter it had “zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behaviour, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first”.
With AP
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