Natasha Lyonne Doubles Down After Plane Removal, Makes ICE Detention Claim

Clear Facts

• Actress Natasha Lyonne was removed from a Delta flight in Los Angeles after appearing unresponsive to crew during pre-flight checks
• Lyonne claims she took sleep medication Lunesta before the flight and was later detained by ICE, though DHS denies both ICE and TSA detained her
• The incident occurred after the actress publicly revealed a relapse following a decade of sobriety

Actress Natasha Lyonne is addressing the bizarre incident that led to her removal from a Los Angeles flight last week, calling it a “performance art piece” while maintaining controversial claims about federal detention. The 47-year-old was escorted off a plane after reportedly being unresponsive to crew members’ requests.

Speaking at the Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Into Action Gala on Wednesday, Lyonne took a lighthearted approach when asked about the mishap. “Oh, you mean my flight plans? My performance art piece?” she told Page Six.

“It’s been a doozy,” Lyonne admitted, though she quickly added that she’s “grateful to be somewhat of a ‘Marathon Man'” and has taken three flights without issue since the incident.

The April 7 incident occurred when Lyonne boarded a Delta Air Lines flight in first class and appeared “out of it” during preflight checks. Flight attendants were unable to get a response from her, prompting crew members to seek assistance and return the plane to the gate, where she was escorted off.

In a social media post on April 10, Lyonne explained her version of events, stating she took the sleep medication Lunesta after boarding the red-eye flight to ensure rest before an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

“Indeed, I took a Lunesta once seated, to ensure some shut eye on the Delta One red-eye flight to NYC,” she wrote on X.

However, Lyonne also made a serious allegation that has been flatly denied by federal authorities. She claimed she was “detained” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the incident.

“Was looking forward to seeing Drew & an in depth convo, but I guess ICE had other plans & I was detained instead. Sign of the times, I guess,” Lyonne wrote.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security directly refuted this claim in a statement to Variety.

“Neither ICE nor TSA escorted or detained Natasha Lyonne,” the representative said.

The actress also apologized to travelers who were delayed and expressed support for TSA workers, clarifying she’s had no previous issues with Delta or TSA.

The plane incident came just months after Lyonne publicly revealed in January that she had experienced a relapse following a decade of sobriety, adding context to the situation.

“Took my relapse public more to come,” Lyonne wrote on X in January. “Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you’re not alone.”

During her Page Six interview, Lyonne reflected on her decision to speak publicly about her struggles.

“I think, ultimately, someone who is a recovery person, we’re as sick as our secrets,” she said. “I don’t feel ashamed to be a real human being.”

The actress shared a more positive update in a social media post last month, writing that she’s “doing a whole lot better & back on her feet.”

“Want to thank our recovery communities & the fans who stood by & were so supportive,” she continued.

At the Planned Parenthood gala, Lyonne didn’t shy away from joking about the flight incident again while honoring singer Pink.

“She, like me, does not put up with people telling her what to do, how to act, or what to say, or when to fly,” Lyonne joked as the audience applauded.

“But made three flights since then,” she added. “Eat my shorts.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment.

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