Selma Blair Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges After Flight Incident

Politics43 sourcesOct 13, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 52/100

The Story

Actress Selma Blair pleaded not guilty on Monday to two counts of second-degree assault related to an incident involving a nurse and a police officer.

She faces separate federal charges for allegedly injuring two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York on Sunday. Blair's attorney stated that she missed doses of medication for severe neurological symptoms, including a recent diagnosis of Parkinsonism, in addition to her multiple sclerosis. According to New York sentencing guidelines, Blair could face up to seven years in jail if convicted on the state charges.

The federal case, stemming from allegations aboard the aircraft, has no set court date. Blair was detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport after the Delta Air Lines flight landed. A law enforcement source indicated the FBI issued Blair a summons for alleged assaults within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

Blair's lawyer said she boarded the flight after extensive work hours and that the incident was not intentional. Delta Air Lines stated it has zero tolerance for unruly behavior. Blair was previously removed from a plane in 2016 after an outburst, which she attributed to mixing alcohol with medication.

What they agree on

Selma Blair was arrested on Sunday after an incident on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York.
Blair is accused of assaulting two flight attendants on the plane.
She is also accused of assaulting a police officer and a nurse after the flight.
Blair pleaded not guilty to state charges involving the officer and nurse.
Blair faces separate federal charges related to the flight incident.

Where they split

Some sources detail specific alleged actions on the plane, such as punching and biting flight attendants and attempting to open the plane door, while others focus on the subsequent alleged assaults on the nurse and officer.
Coverage varies on the exact timing of Blair's arrest and court appearances, with some reporting her detention around 11 p.m. Sunday and court appearances on Monday, while others mention federal summonses being issued.
The Daily Mail reports Blair could face seven years in jail if convicted on state charges, a potential consequence not explicitly detailed in all other sources.
Some outlets, like The Daily Caller and Breitbart News, include commentary or framing related to Blair's past incidents or medical conditions, while others maintain a more neutral reporting of the current charges.

The Spread

Split

38 sources placed · 17 from headlines only · 3 not measured · 2 state-affiliated

00 far left

22 left

1212 centre left

99 centre

55 centre right

77 right

33 far right

State-affiliated 2

The coverage 43 sources

LeftCNNWhat we know about Selma Blair’s flight disturbance, arrest and assault charges (opens the publisher’s site)
LeftSalonActress Selma Blair accused of biting flight crew (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftABC NewsSelma Blair arrested after alleged altercation on Delta flight (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftCBS NewsSelma Blair arrested after allegedly biting flight attendant (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftDetroit Free PressSelma Blair arrested after allegedly biting flight attendant (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftMediaiteReport: Selma Blair Arrested After Biting Flight Attendants, Attempting to Open Plane Door Mid-Air (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftNBC NewsSelma Blair arrested for allegedly assaulting two flight attendants (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftSan Francisco ChronicleSelma Blair accused of attacking 2 flight attendants and assaulting a police officer and nurse (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftThe AgeSelma Blair in custody over allegation of physical attack on plane, injury of two flight attendants (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftThe Express TribuneSelma Blair detained after alleged disturbance on New York flight (opens the publisher’s site)