Selma Blair faces separate federal case after delta flight arrest

Actress Selma Blair is facing two New York state assault charges and a separate federal case following an alleged incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York. The two proceedings concern different allegations, making the federal summons a key part of the developing case.

According to The Associated Press, Blair pleaded not guilty to the state charges on Monday, October 12, 2026. A judge set bail at $20,000 in cash or a $60,000 bond, and her next state-court hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2027.

What Happened on Delta Flight 938?

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Blair, 54, was taken into custody late Sunday after Delta Flight 938 arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Authorities reported that two flight attendants sustained injuries during the alleged incident. One was taken to a hospital for evaluation, while Blair was also transported to a hospital following her arrest.

According to CBS News, a law enforcement source said one flight attendant had been bitten and the other sustained a laceration. Air traffic control audio also captured the pilot requesting medical personnel at the gate to examine the reported injuries.

The circumstances of the alleged in-flight conduct remain under investigation.

Why Are There Two Separate Cases?

The New York state charges relate to alleged incidents involving a Port Authority police officer and a nurse after Blair was taken from the aircraft.

According to the criminal complaint reported by ABC News, Blair allegedly kicked the officer while being transported for medical evaluation and later kicked a nurse at the hospital. These allegations form the basis of the two second-degree assault counts to which Blair pleaded not guilty.

The federal matter concerns alleged conduct aboard the aircraft itself.

The FBI issued Blair a summons listing allegations of assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, according to an Associated Press report.

The federal matter is expected to be handled through the petty violations court in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. No date had been announced for her federal appearance as of October 13.

This distinction is important: the two state charges concern the alleged incidents involving the officer and nurse, while the federal summons concerns the alleged incident on the plane. The allegations have not been proven in court.

What Has Blair Said About the Incident?

Blair's attorney also attributed the incident to a medical episode. As reported by the Associated Press, the attorney said exhaustion, missed medication and a blow to the head contributed to confusion and disorientation.

These are explanations offered by Blair's representatives and attorney; they have not been established as the confirmed cause of the incident.

Blair announced her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018 and has since spoken publicly about her health and disability advocacy.

Delta and the FBI Respond

Delta Air Lines said it has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior and that the safety of passengers and crew comes first.

The FBI is investigating the alleged in-flight incident. The federal agency has not announced a date for Blair's appearance in the separate federal matter.

What Happens Next?

The next scheduled state-court hearing is January 19, 2027. The federal case has a separate process, and no appearance date had been announced as of October 13, 2026.

Both matters remain subject to legal proceedings. Blair has pleaded not guilty to the two state assault charges, and the allegations related to the flight remain allegations rather than established findings of guilt.