The Department of Homeland Security has responded to Natasha Lyonne’s claim that she was “detained” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Los Angeles International Airport.
Reports emerged Thursday that Lyonne was on a red-eye flight to New York hours after the season three premiere of Euphoria, in which she has a secretive role. An eyewitness alleged to Page Six that she did not respond to flight attendants who asked her to close her laptop and fasten her seatbelt for takeoff, and was eventually removed from the aircraft, causing roughly an hour delay to the flight.
Lyonne, 47, shared details about the incident Friday on X, claiming she had taken a sleeping pill to “ensure some shut eye on the Delta One red eye flight to NYC” but said “ICE had other plans & I was detained.”
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security has denied the Poker Face star’s claims in a statement to Variety, saying: “Neither ICE nor TSA escorted or detained Natasha Lyonne.”
The Independent has contacted a representative for Lyonne for comment.
The actor first responded to the reports Thursday about her being escorted off the flight. “My heart is with all the unpaid TSA agents at our airport. Sure was looking forward to speaking honestly with @DrewBarrymore yesterday but guess wasn’t in the cards. Who owns page six/New York Post now again?” she wrote on X.
On Friday, she shared more details about the situation. “Boarded seamlessly with just a backpack and sneakers, eager for a nap. Plan was to be bushy tailed & beauty rested, as I was meant to head straight to glam for a slot with our beloved @DrewBarrymore, upon landing,” she added on X.
“Was looking forward to seeing Drew & an in depth convo, but I guess ICE had other plans & I was detained instead,” she continued. “Sign of the times, I guess. Thanks for all the love and support. Never had a problem with @Delta or @TSA before. Heart is with our unpaid @TSA workers. Apologies to any travelers who were delayed.”
Lyonne had been scheduled to appear on Wednesday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, which films in New York. Despite the flight incident, the Orange Is the New Black alum did make it to the East Coast eventually, as she was seen attending the premiere for Lorne — the new documentary film about SNL boss Lorne Michaels — Thursday in Manhattan.
The report comes months after Lyonne revealed in January that she had recently relapsed after 10 years of sobriety. The Russian Doll star has been open about her struggles with addiction in the past.
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“Took my relapse public more to come,” the actor shared on X in January. “Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you’re not alone. Grateful for love & smart feet.”
In March, Lyonne shared a health update, thanking her friends, family, and fans for their support. “Proud to report this kid is doing a whole lot better & back on her feet. Want to thank our recovery communities & the fans who stood by & were so supportive,” she wrote. “Aiming to keep the journey somehow private, but look forward to sharing my experience, strength & hope as makes sense.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.
In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
