Selma Blair’s team has issued a statement regarding the actor’s recent arrest stemming from an alleged incident on a flight on October 11. The representative emphasized that the public narrative surrounding the situation has largely relied on a police statement and an old headline. Blair was taken into custody for allegedly causing harm to two flight attendants during a trip from Los Angeles to New York. Additionally, she was charged with assaulting a police officer and a nurse at the hospital.
The statement expressed gratitude to a few journalists who portrayed Selma as a person rather than just a headline. It highlighted that fair reporting had been scarce, leading to the spread of speculative information treated as fact in the absence of their input. Blair appeared in court on October 12, where she pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault before being released on bail.
According to Blair’s representative, the actor experienced a medical emergency during the flight, denying any intention to cause harm. They clarified that Blair did not try to open the aircraft door. A police officer reported that while Blair was being restrained on a stretcher, she kicked the officer multiple times, causing significant pain and swelling. Subsequently, a nurse was also allegedly kicked by Blair, resulting in substantial pain.
Blair’s attorney explained that her actions were unintended due to missing doses of medication for severe neurological symptoms related to multiple sclerosis, which Blair was diagnosed with in 2018. The attorney highlighted that Blair faced confusion and disorientation during the flight, exacerbated by a head injury and other factors.
The statement defended Blair’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis against doubters, emphasizing her physical achievements since the diagnosis. It also mentioned Blair’s continuous advocacy work for disability rights and other causes. The spokesperson urged the public to consider all the facts before rushing to judgment, both in the legal process and public opinion.
Despite the recent incident, Blair has maintained a relatively low profile in Hollywood. She participated in “Dancing With the Stars” in 2022 and is scheduled to appear in the upcoming supernatural thriller “Silent.” The release date for the movie is yet to be announced.