Legally Blonde actor Selma Blair has pleaded not guilty to assault charges following an alleged disturbance aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York. The actor was taken into custody after the plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and was subsequently released on $20,000 (approx. Rs 1,912,376.00) cash bail. Reports allege that Blair assaulted two flight attendants during the journey, with a separate allegation involving a nurse following her transfer to hospital.
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Selma Blair Faces Federal Charges After Alleged Mid-Air Incident
According to TMZ, the FBI issued Blair a federal summons, also described as a violation notice, charging her with "assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States".
The allegations centre on an incident aboard the Delta flight on Sunday, when Blair reportedly became physically aggressive towards members of the cabin crew while the aircraft was airborne and heading towards JFK Airport.
According to AP, a federal law enforcement official confirmed the charges on condition of anonymity. The case is expected to be handled through the petty violations court in federal court in Brooklyn, although no appearance date has been set.
Blair, 54, was taken into custody late on Sunday after the aircraft reached the gate at JFK Airport in New York, according to a statement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Authorities said Blair and one of the flight attendants were taken to hospital for evaluation following the incident.
Flight Attendants Reportedly Injured During Altercation
TMZ reported that one flight attendant sustained a laceration, while another suffered a bite injury. Blair was reportedly restrained aboard the aircraft before being arrested after landing.
The report also alleged that Blair repeatedly kicked a Port Authority police officer in the head while being transported to hospital in an ambulance.
In a further allegation, Blair assaulted a nurse after the ambulance arrived at the hospital. The nurse has reportedly pressed charges in connection with the incident.
Actor Pleads Not Guilty, Released On Bail
According to the Daily Mail, Blair appeared tearful during her court appearance on Monday, a day after her arrest at JFK Airport. She pleaded not guilty to the assault charges in Queens Criminal Court and was released on $20,000 (approx. Rs 1,912,376.00) cash bail.
Her lawyer attributed the alleged behaviour to a medical episode and missed doses of medication. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.