Selma Blair pleads not guilty to assault charges in Queens

Actor Selma Blair entered a not guilty plea to assault counts at an arraignment in Queens. The legal proceeding followed her arrest during transport from John F. Kennedy Airport. She entered the plea Monday night to two counts of assault. The state charges involve an officer and a nurse.

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 aboard that plane. Delta did not detail the events aboard the aircraft. Blair faces separate federal charges related to the flight.

“Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first,” a spokesperson said.

Emergency workers moved Blair toward a Queens hospital. She freed her leg from stretcher constraints, according to a criminal complaint. Police say she repeatedly kicked a Port Authority police officer about the face, neck and chest. She kicks a nurse in the chest at the hospital, according to the complaint.

The injured officer received treatment at a local medical facility. Blair had no prior arrests. Blair posted bond set at $60,000, or $20,000 cash, leaving with her legal team, according to a report. Her next hearing is set for January 2027.

Her defense lawyer, Shawn Barnes, stated in court that his 54-year-old client missed multiple doses of medication. Blair announced in 2018 that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Barnes said Blair also hit her head inside the airplane cabin. He stated that contact added to severe confusion and disorientation.

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

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Symptoms can include memory problems and changes in mood. The organization notes that patient experiences can shift from day to day.

“If you have MS, your experience with the disease may change from day to day and year to year,” the organization writes.

Blair apologized in 2016 for remarks made on a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles. She said she blacked out after mixing alcohol with medication. The film performer previously appeared in “Legally Blonde,” “Hellboy” and “Cruel Intentions.”

An arraignment serves as the formal court reading of criminal charges against a defendant. The court system in Queens uses the proceeding to set bail conditions and future court appearances. Defendants enter initial pleas to the recorded counts during this stage.

She remains scheduled to return to court in Queens at the start of next year.