Natasha Lyonne Addresses Flight Controversy with Humor at New York Gala
Natasha Lyonne brushed aside the recent controversy surrounding her removal from a Delta flight as she attended the Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Into Action Gala on Wednesday. The Euphoria star, 47, made headlines last week after being escorted off a New York-bound flight following an onboard disturbance that delayed departure by over an hour.
Incident Details and Lyonne's Account
Eyewitnesses reported that Lyonne, who had recently disclosed a relapse after nearly a decade of sobriety, was asked if she needed medical attention before crew members informed her the aircraft would not depart until she disembarked. The incident occurred just hours after she attended the Euphoria season three premiere in Hollywood.
In the aftermath, Lyonne suggested she had taken a sleeping pill and later claimed she was briefly detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, the Department of Homeland Security disputed this, stating that neither ICE nor TSA had detained or escorted the actress.
Gala Remarks and Public Response
At the gala, while paying tribute to honoree Pink, Lyonne attempted humor, telling the audience, "Talk about a legend. She, like me, does not put up with people telling her what to do, how to act, or what to say... or when to fly." The crowd erupted in cheers as she added, "Made three flights since then! Eat my shorts."
In an interview with Page Six, she quipped about the incident, saying, "Oh, you mean my flight plans? My performance art piece? It’s been a doozy." Last Friday, Lyonne took to X to offer her account, explaining she took a Lunesta sleeping pill to rest on the red-eye flight, but was detained instead, though she thanked fans and airport staff.
Flight Disruption and Sobriety Context
During the flight, Lyonne was reportedly seen appearing "out of it" as she prepared to depart Los Angeles. Staff retrieved her laptop, and the plane returned to the gate, where a Delta employee asked if she needed medical attention. According to reports, she "coolly shushed" the staffer before heading to the bathroom and snacking on pretzels, eventually departing obediently after her luggage was removed.
The captain addressed the delay, citing a passenger unable to follow "basic commands," and Lyonne was rebooked on another flight. This incident comes three months after she revealed a sobriety relapse, posting on social media about recovery as a lifelong process and receiving support from followers.
Career and Personal Background
Lyonne, known for roles in Orange Is the New Black and Euphoria, has seen a career resurgence in her 40s, shifting to directing, writing, and producing. She previously spoke candidly about her addiction struggles, including a 2006 rehab stint after issues with drugs and alcohol led to health problems like hepatitis C and open-heart surgery.
Despite the flight drama, she made it to New York, appearing at a documentary premiere later in the week. Representatives for Lyonne did not immediately comment, and Delta declined to provide further details on the incident.
