A Medical Emergency Or Criminal Conduct?
A New York judge made clear that fame offers no special legal protection. Actress Selma Blair fights a pair of new assault charges stemming from a turbulent flight. The 54-year-old actress now faces legal trouble on two separate fronts. She faces a federal case tied to her alleged behaviour on board a Delta jet. She also faces state charges over events that occurred after she left the plane. She pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against her. The episode unfolded on Sunday evening on a Delta service from Los Angeles. Airport authorities received alerts regarding a passenger turning physical with the cabin crew.
Injuries Reported On Board
The Port Authority said two flight attendants suffered injuries during the altercation. One required hospital treatment for the injuries sustained during the flight. Air traffic control recordings capture the pilot requesting immediate medical assistance. The pilot described injuries that included a bleeding nose and visible bite marks. Blair was detained by police after the jet parked at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The FBI subsequently issued her a formal federal summons. The charge involves assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The state charges relate to violent events occurring after Blair left the plane.
Alleged Attacks On The Ground
Prosecutors allege she freed her leg from the stretcher’s restraints while inside an ambulance. She allegedly kicked a Port Authority police officer in the face, neck, and chest. Once at the hospital, she stands accused of violently assaulting a nurse. The nurse stated Blair kicked her in the chest, causing substantial physical pain. Both counts represent second-degree felony assault charges involving protected essential workers. Each charge carries a possible maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison. At her arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, her defence attorney urged leniency. Shawn Barnes asked the judge to weigh Blair’s long career and solid public reputation.
Facing The Legal Consequences
He argued that violent behaviour was completely out of character for his client. Judge Indira Khan remained unmoved by the celebrity appeals. She stated celebrity status did not entitle Blair to different treatment from any other defendant. The judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond. Keep up with the latest Hollywood drama and celebrity legal battles. Read more exclusive entertainment news today on The WAU.
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