Actress Selma Blair says she's 'so sorry' in first public remarks since incident on plane

Selma Blair has spoken publicly for the first time since she was charged with assault following an incident on a plane earlier this month.

The Hollywood actress, 54, said she was "so sorry" to "the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, I frightened, that I alarmed".

In a video on Instagram on Friday, the Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde star said that even though her lawyers advised her against talking about the case, she was taking the matter "very seriously".

She has pleaded not guilty to state charges over allegations she kicked a police officer and a nurse after a mid-air incident involving crew members on 11 October.

Blair was on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York City when she allegedly became "physically abusive" and was removed from the plane, authorities said at the time.

Two flight attendants reported injuries, including one who was taken to hospital, the Port Authority said.

Blair, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, was arrested when the flight landed in New York and transported to hospital for evaluation.

A police officer who took her there alleged that while securing Blair to a stretcher, the actress kicked her repeatedly around the face, neck and chest, causing serious pain and substantial swelling.

And a nurse moving Blair said the star kicked her in the chest.

She was charged with two counts of second-degree assault at a court in Queens and then released on bail, as a judge set the next hearing for January.

What has Selma Blair said?

In her Instagram video, Blair said: "I know I've been quiet for a couple weeks since October 11. And you deserve to hear from me directly, and I'm sorry that it's taken this long.

"There is a legal matter going on, and my lawyers have asked me to not say anything about that day, and I'm listening to them."

The actress said she took the matter "very seriously" and the "very simple and the truest thing I know about myself is that not one day ever have I intended to hurt or frighten anyone".

"And so to the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, I frightened, that I alarmed, I am so sorry," she said.

She thanked those who reached out with love and support, and then assured fans her service dog Scout, who accompanied her on the flight, was doing well.

She got the Labrador five years ago after her MS diagnosis.

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Blair's lawyer Shawn Barnes said in court that her actions were the result of a medical emergency, citing diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and Parkinsonism.

At the 12 October arraignment hearing, Mr Barnes told the judge that her actions were not intentional and that the star had missed several doses of medication and also fell and hit her head on the flight.

Blair's representative separately said Blair had "experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct".

(c) Sky News 2026: Actress Selma Blair says she's 'so sorry' in first public remarks since incident on plane