Hollywood actress Selma Blair has pleaded not guilty to assault charges following an alleged altercation aboard a Delta Air Lines flight that left two flight attendants requiring medical attention.
The Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde star appeared in a New York court after also being accused of assaulting a police officer and a hospital nurse following the incident.
The 54-year-old was arrested on Sunday after the Delta flight from Los Angeles arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport.
Authorities said two flight attendants reported injuries during an alleged confrontation aboard the aircraft, with one taken to hospital for further evaluation. Ms Blair was also taken to hospital after the plane landed.
According to court documents, a police officer transporting the actress on a stretcher alleged the actress kicked her repeatedly in the face, neck and chest while she was being secured for transfer to hospital.
A nurse subsequently alleged Ms Blair kicked her in the chest while assisting with her treatment.
The actress pleaded not guilty to two counts of second degree assault relating to the alleged incidents involving the officer and nurse.
Her lawyer, Shawn Barnes, told the court the alleged conduct was not intentional and was caused because the actress had failed to take prescribed medication on top of an exhausting work schedule.
“These factors coupled with the altitude, resulted in a state of severe confusion and disorientation,” Mr Barnes said.
Ms Blair was released on bail after the hearing with the case adjourned until January 19. If convicted, she could be jailed for two to seven years.
Separate federal charges have also been brought against the actress over the alleged incident aboard the aircraft, with the FBI investigating the matter.
Ms Blair has spoken publicly about living with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
She was diagnosed in 2018 and has since become an advocate for disability rights and greater awareness of the condition.
