Selma Blair breaks silence on JFK airport arrest

Selma Blair apologized on Friday for her arrest at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 11. In an Instagram video, she addressed the incident directly for the first time since the event occurred on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The arrest followed an alleged altercation in which two flight attendants were injured. One attendant was taken to the hospital, and Blair was also transported to a medical facility after the incident. Reports indicate she kicked a police officer and a nurse in the chest while being moved. She pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault.

Blair explained her silence by noting that her lawyers had asked her to refrain from commenting while legal matters proceed. She stated that she is taking the situation seriously and is following their guidance. A separate investigation by the FBI into assaults on aircraft is ongoing, with additional charges expected.

In the video, the actress said she has never intended to hurt or frighten anyone. She apologized to those she disappointed, hurt, or alarmed. She also thanked supporters for their messages, mentioning that her son, a scout, is doing okay. She said she is currently focusing on her health and her child.

Blair's spokesperson previously issued a statement describing the event as a medical emergency. The statement clarified that she did not attempt to open the aircraft door and did not intend to cause harm. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court that she had worked extensive hours and hit her head on a bankhead before the flight. He argued that these factors, combined with altitude, caused severe confusion and disorientation.

Blair's representative also addressed her health history, noting she has multiple sclerosis and pseudobulbar affect. The rep said these conditions affect how her medical episodes present to others. They highlighted her recent work on seven film and television projects in 2026, along with the launch of a skin care line, clothing line, and eye-glass readers. The rep noted her advocacy for disability and Jewish communities, including a recent appearance at the ADL’s State of the Arts event.

The representative asked the public to consider all facts before rushing to judgment. They emphasized that Blair had never been arrested before this incident. The statement requested that observers weigh the entirety of the situation, whether in court or in public opinion, before forming conclusions.