Selma Blair Brings Four-Legged Date to Tribeca Film Festival
Actress Selma Blair made headlines after bringing the most adorable date to the Tribeca Film Festival!
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, the 52-year-old attended the event on June 5, Thursday with Scout, an English red fox Labrador service dog. Together, they elegantly strutted on the red carpet. Blair wore a black one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit along the side while holding on to Scout’s trusty harness.
As they posed for the paparazzi, Blair was asked about the women she admires in keeping with the night’s theme: Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge. This prompted her to name Paulina Porizkova, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lauren Hutton, Ashley Olsen, and Mary Kate Olsen.
“Gosh, I look up to Paulina Porizkova very much. She’s a dear friend and beautiful. Diane Von Furstenberg, really, because of staying power, always staying classic. There’s so many,” she told People.
The 51-year-old A-lister continued by naming individuals she adored during her younger years. “There’s ones from my childhood I can’t help but always be thrilled [about], like Lauren Hutton and Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. The ones that were the fun mysteries will always be adored. I love anyone with staying power no matter what their style,” she said generously.
Blair and Multiple Sclerosis
Blair struggled for years with multiple sclerosis, a progressive disease that damages the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Its debilitating symptoms include speech impairment, the deterioration of muscle coordination, severe fatigue, numbness, and blurred vision.
In 2019, the Cruel Intentions actress underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to encourage blood cell production. She also adopted Scout.
As she dealt with the serious diagnosis, the Michigan native realized the value of a support system. “I realized there’s been a big shift in my attitude over the last few years, for the better,” she told a news outlet in May 2022.
“A real miracle was that I realized what support did for me. I’m a single mom, and I am alone a lot with my kid, and I wanted legitimate support,” Blair reflected.
It was Blair’s neurologist who gave her the idea of getting a service dog because of its emotional and physical benefits.
The multi-awarded actress described him as a gift. “It’s a big undertaking, and he’s still young, not yet two, but he’s a tremendous gift,” she said two years ago. “He’s with me all the time. If I fall into a big [muscle] spasm or have some trouble moving and need to recalibrate, he can get between my legs, help me get up, and balance me. It’s given me a lot of independence.”
Becoming an Advocate for Multiple Sclerosis
Since she was diagnosed at 46 years old, Blair has become an advocate for multiple sclerosis. She famously attended a White House event in October 2023 to celebrate the American with Disabilities Act’s anniversary.
Of course, Scout accompanied her. As Blair delivered her remarks, Scout stole the show by flopping down across President Biden’s left foot, showing just how comfortable he was in the spotlight .
Meanwhile, The Sweetest Thing actress spoke about the importance of having the right legislation for people with disabilities. “For more than 61 million Americans living with disability, these laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect and as my dad would say, the most important of all: dignity, being treated with dignity,” she declared.
