Actor Selma Blair has been arrested following allegations that she injured two flight attendants during a flight from Los Angeles to New York. She has also been charged with assaulting a police officer and a nurse after being taken to hospital following the incident. 

Blair, 54, was detained at around 11 pm on Sunday after a Delta Air Lines aircraft arrived at the gate at John F Kennedy International Airport, according to a statement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The actor and one of the flight attendants were taken to hospital for medical evaluation, authorities said. The circumstances surrounding the alleged altercation on board the aircraft have not yet been fully disclosed.

Selma Blair accused of kicking officer and nurse

According to charging documents, a police officer escorting Blair to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center alleged that the actor kicked her repeatedly in the face, neck and chest while being secured to a stretcher. The officer said Blair freed one of her legs from the restraints and caused her substantial pain and swelling.

A nurse who was subsequently moving Blair also alleged that the actor kicked her in the chest, causing considerable pain.

Blair was arraigned late on Monday in a court in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault. A judge set bail at USD 20,000 in cash or USD 60,000 in bond, with the next hearing scheduled for January.

Federal charges linked to incident aboard aircraft

The FBI is investigating the incident on the flight. A federal law enforcement official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly, said Blair had also received a notice charging her with assault in connection with her alleged actions aboard the aircraft.

The federal charges will be dealt with through the petty violations court in federal court in Brooklyn. No date has been announced for Blair's appearance.

Delta Air Lines did not immediately disclose further details about what allegedly occurred during the flight. In a statement, the airline said it "has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first."

Selma Blair's representative cites medical emergency

A representative for Blair told The Associated Press that the actor experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged behaviour.

The incident follows an earlier episode involving Blair during a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles in 2016. She subsequently apologised for making remarks during the journey that she later regretted, explaining that mixing alcohol with medication had caused her to black out.

Actor known for 'Cruel Intentions' and disability advocacy

Blair rose to prominence through roles in several popular films, including 'Cruel Intentions' (1999), 'Legally Blonde' (2001) and 'Hellboy' (2004).

In more recent years, she has become an advocate for disability rights after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. In 2023, she joined then-President Joe Biden at the White House to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.