Selma Blair says there is “much more to this story” in her first lengthy statement since her arrest and indictment following an alleged outbreak of violence aboard a Delta flight.
“Since Sunday evening, the public narrative of what happened in Selma aboard a flight to New York has been built almost entirely on a police statement and a decade-old headline,” Blair’s spokesperson said in a statement to People.
She further explained that the “Cruel Intentions” star, 54, “experienced a medical emergency during the flight. There was no attempt to open the plane door. Selma did not intend to harm anyone.”
Blair’s spokesperson also objected to anyone questioning her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, pointing out that she has publicly battled the disease since 2018 and continues to experience daily pain despite her professional achievements.
The spokesperson further revealed that Blair suffered from pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition associated with her MS that can affect how her symptoms appear to others during a medical episode.
The representative also claimed that authorities separated Blair from her service dog, who usually stays by her side.
Blair’s team then highlighted her continued work in Hollywood and her advocacy for disabled people, noting that she had never been arrested before the alleged in-flight incident.
“There is much more to this story than what has been reported,” the spokesperson concluded, urging the public to consider all the facts before passing judgment.
On Sunday, Blair was traveling on a Delta flight from LAX in Los Angeles to JFK in New York. During the flight, Blair was allegedly physically disruptive and had to be restrained by the flight crew.
According to 911 audio, a pilot called for medical assistance and law enforcement to the scene when the plane landed to help an “abusive” passenger.
“A bloody nose as well as bite marks,” he said in audio obtained by TMZ.
“Could you tell the people at JFK that we would like to have medical personnel at the gates for a few (flight attendants) involved in the passenger incident,” the pilot said.
“They just need to look at a few things,” he added.
TMZ also obtained audio of Blair screaming after being pulled from the plane and restrained.
She allegedly kicked a police officer on her way to the hospital and assaulted a nurse at the medical center.
In a previous statement, Blair’s rep told Page Six that she “suffered a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct” and was in “stable condition.”
Delta Air Lines previously criticized Blair for his “unruly” and “illegal” behavior in an exclusive statement to Page Six, saying it had “zero tolerance” on the matter.
On Monday, Blair pleaded not guilty after being charged with two counts of second-degree assault.
Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, attributed the in-flight incident to Blair allegedly missing her multiple sclerosis medication and falling and hitting her head.
Barnes added that his client boarded the flight after working “long hours and exhaustive hours” on set in the days leading up to the trip.
“These factors, coupled with the altitude, led to a state of severe confusion and disorientation,” Barnes said.
The “Legally Blonde” actress faces two to seven years in prison if convicted.
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