Selma Blair’s lawyer told the court that the actress was experiencing “severe confusion and disorientation” when she allegedly assaulted a police officer and a nurse after being removed from a Delta Air Lines flight.
Blair’s attorney Shawn Barnes offered the explanation, according to Page Six, during a court appearance the night of Oct. 12 as the actress pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault.
Attorney Barnes said Blair had fallen and struck her head before the incident, missed doses of medication prescribed for her multiple sclerosis and had been working “extensive” and “exhaustive” hours.
He argued that those circumstances, combined with the effects of being at high altitude, left Blair in a profoundly confused and disoriented state.
Barnes maintained that the alleged attack “was not an intentional assault.”
During arguments before the judge, defense attorney Joshua Reitzas also described Blair as “the gold standard” in Hollywood.
The judge pushed back, saying the actress “should not get special treatment because she is a celebrity,” according to Page Six.
Blair appeared visibly emotional throughout the hearing. At times, Reitzas wiped away tears from the handcuffed actress.
Selma Blair Accused of Attacking Flight Attendants, Officer and Nurse
The episode began on the night of Oct. 11, when Blair was accused of punching a flight attendant and biting another crew member aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 938, which was traveling from Los Angeles to New York, People reported. One of the attendants was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
Audio from air traffic control, obtained by The Associated Press, captured flight personnel requesting medical assistance at the gate for a passenger and flight attendant who reportedly suffered “minor injuries,” including a “bloody nose” and “bite marks.”
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Blair was arrested after the aircraft arrived at JFK Airport, the Port Authority Police confirmed to Oxygen. The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident.
According to an affidavit obtained by Oxygen, the situation escalated while Blair was being taken to a hospital by ambulance. Authorities said she slipped one leg free from the stretcher restraints and repeatedly kicked a police officer in the face, neck and chest.
The officer was treated at a hospital for jaw swelling and what authorities described as substantial pain in the face, neck and chest.
The affidavit states that Blair later kicked a nurse in the chest while being moved into Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at around 2 a.m. The alleged attacks on the officer and nurse resulted in two second-degree assault charges.
In a statement to E! News, Blair’s representative said the Cruel Intentions star had experienced a “medical emergency” during the flight.
“Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct,” the representative said. “Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition.”
After her hearing Oct. 12, Blair’s bail was set at $20,00 cash/$60,000 bond/$60,000 partially secured bond, according to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. The judge also ordered a protective order to the nurse Blair is accused of kicking, Pix 11 reported.
Blair, 54, was released on bond after the hearing.