Selma Blair's lawyer has claimed that the actress missed several doses of medication that controls severe neurological symptoms, leading to the alleged altercation onboard a flight this week. The 54-year-old actress was on a Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday when the incident occurred.
Details of the Incident
The star is reported to have attempted to open the door of the aircraft mid-flight and was arrested shortly after arriving in New York, where she was taken to the hospital for an evaluation. During the flight, Selma is alleged to have punched one flight attendant and also allegedly bit another when the crew attempted to de-escalate the situation onboard.
Following her arrest, she was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Monday evening on two assault charges for allegedly kicking a police officer in the head and also allegedly attacking a nurse when she was taken to the hospital, reports Page Six.
Lawyer's Statement
Selma's legal representative, Shawn Barnes, said of the on-board altercation: "This was not an intentional assault." He added: "Ms. Blair missed several doses of… a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms."
Barnes also stated: "Ms. Blair boarded this flight after being on set and working extensive hours and exhaustive hours in the days leading up to this flight. Additionally, at one point, during the flight, there was an incident where Miss Blair actually fell and hit her head." He added that these issues mixed with altitude resulted in "severe confusion and disorientation."
Official Statements
New York Port Authority said in a statement to the Mirror earlier this week: "On Sunday October 11 at approximately 11pm at JFK Airport, PAPD responded to a call about a physically abusive passenger aboard Delta Airlines flight 938 which was parked at the gate after arrival from LAX. Suspect was identified as Selma Blair, a 54 year-old woman."
"She was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for evaluation. Two flight attendants also reported injuries, and one was transported to the hospital for further evaluation." The New York Port Authority also confirmed that the FBI is investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Delta Airlines said: "Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behaviour, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first."
Hours before the incident, Selma had liked a social media comment by a fan which read: "I'm so happy for you [sic], feeling great and doing great and making new memories." Selma replied: "I'm. It [sic] great. I'm sad. I'm grateful. I hope. I am not great." At the time, a spokesperson for the actress, best known for appearing in Cruel Intentions, said: "Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition."
