Full Breakdown
Selma Blair’s Flight-Related Assault Allegations and Legal Follow-Up
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Incident on Delta Flight 938
On October 11, Delta Flight 938 landed at JFK after departing Los Angeles. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials said police responded to a report of a “physically abusive passenger.” The criminal complaint alleges Selma Blair, 54, was restrained on a stretcher, freed her leg and repeatedly kicked Port Authority Police Officer Maria Suarez in the face, neck and chest, causing pain and swelling. A nurse also reported a kick to the chest. Two flight attendants were injured; one required care for a bloody nose and bite marks, the other was taken to a hospital. Blair was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for evaluation.
02
Legal Proceedings
Blair was charged in Queens Criminal Court with two counts of felony second-degree assault. She entered a not-guilty plea and was released after posting $20,000 cash bail or a $60,000 bond. A judge scheduled a hearing for January. The FBI also issued a summons related to the incident.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Medical Background and Defense Claims
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, Blair uses a Labrador service dog, Scout. Her attorneys, Shawn Barnes and Joshua Rietzas, told the court she missed several doses of medication that controls severe neurological symptoms, worked long hours, and fell, hitting her head during the flight.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.” — Delta
- Port Authority officials confirmed the police response and described the alleged assaults on the officer and nurse.
- A spokesperson called rumors questioning Blair’s MS diagnosis “outrageous.”
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m listening to them, and I take this very seriously.” — Selma Blair, spokesperson
- “16 statement, Fritzo said, "The suggestion by anyone, that Selma does not have multiple sclerosis is outrageous.” — Fritzo
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets claimed Blair tried to open the aircraft door mid-flight; her spokesperson denied the allegation, and no police or court documents have confirmed it. Reports differ on the number of injured crew members—The Guardian cites two attendants, while Rolling Stone mentions “multiple flight attendants.” Beyond the documented kicks and a bloody nose, the extent of injuries remains unclear.
07
Impact and Next Steps
The case has raised discussion about disability, medication management, and passenger safety. Advocacy groups note Blair’s openness about her condition, while airline officials emphasize maintaining order on flights. The January hearing will determine whether the assault charges proceed to trial and what penalties may apply. Blair’s legal team maintains the episode was a medical emergency without intent to harm.