According to the Associated Press, authorities stated that Blair physically attacked crew members during the flight, injuring two flight attendants. Air traffic control audio indicated that the pilot requested medical personnel to meet the aircraft at the gate to treat bite marks and a bloody nose, noting that the passenger appeared to have bashed her head on the bulkhead. Blair and one of the injured flight attendants were subsequently transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
State and Federal Charges
Beyond the initial in-flight altercation, Blair faces additional accusations stemming from her arrival and subsequent medical transfer. Court documents indicate that while being secured to a stretcher at the gate, Blair pulled a leg from the restraint straps and kicked an officer repeatedly around the face, neck, and chest, causing substantial pain and swelling. Later at the hospital, a nurse moving the actress reported that Blair kicked her in the chest.
During her arraignment in a Queens court, Blair pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault regarding the alleged attacks on the police officer and the nurse. A judge set her bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond, and she is scheduled to make her next court appearance in January. In addition to the state charges, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has charged Blair with assault relating to her actions aboard the aircraft. A federal law enforcement official confirmed that the federal matter will be handled through the petty violations court in Brooklyn.
Defense Arguments and Medical Context
Representatives for the actress stated that the disruptive behavior stemmed from an acute medical emergency during the flight. Blair’s defense attorney attributed the incident to a combination of severe fatigue from exhaustive work hours, a head injury sustained after falling, and missed medication for multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder with which the actress was diagnosed in 2018. The legal team argued that these factors left Blair in a state of severe disorientation and confusion while airborne.
Delta Air Lines issued a statement following the incident emphasizing its strict operational policies. The carrier stated that it maintains zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, noting that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The airline confirmed that law enforcement met the flight upon its arrival at the gate and that the incident caused no operational disruptions, as the aircraft had landed ahead of schedule.
Reporting source: en.royanews.tv.