Brief

Selma Blair released on bail after pleading not guilty to assault charges

The 54‑year‑old actress faced state and federal assault charges after an alleged violent episode on a Los Angeles‑to‑New York flight.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:08:21 GMT

Actor Selma Blair was released on bail on Monday after entering a not‑guilty plea to two second‑degree assault charges stemming from an alleged mid‑air incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York, the Associated Press reported.

According to the report, Blair, 54, was restrained after allegedly punching one flight attendant, biting another, and attempting to open the aircraft door during the flight. After the plane landed, she was taken to a hospital where she allegedly kicked a police officer securing her to a stretcher and later kicked a nurse who was moving her.

Blair’s lawyer, Shawn Barnes, told the court that the actress was not intentionally assaulting anyone and that she had missed several doses of a powerful medication that manages her multiple sclerosis, causing severe confusion and disorientation. Barnes added that Blair had fallen and hit her head during the flight, further contributing to her state.

The judge set bail at US$20,000 cash or US$60,000 bond and scheduled the next hearing for January. In addition to the state charges, Blair also faces separate federal assault charges under the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as noted by the Associated Press.

Delta Airlines said it maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for unruly or unlawful behaviour, emphasizing passenger and crew safety.

Key facts

Selma Blair pleaded not guilty to two second‑degree assault counts (smh.com.au)
Bail was set at US$20,000 cash or US$60,000 bond (smh.com.au)
Blair faces additional federal assault charges (smh.com.au)
Lawyer Shawn Barnes cited missed medication doses as a factor (smh.com.au)
Delta Airlines reiterated its zero‑tolerance policy for unruly behaviour (smh.com.au)