Natasha Lyonne jokes removal from flight was ‘performance art piece’

Natasha Lyonne takes a light-hearted approach when talking about the incident that led to her being removed from a flight last week.

The 47-year-old actress was removed from a plane in Los Angeles after crew members reportedly failed to respond to her demands. Lyonne later addressed reports that she was removed from the plane, explaining that she took the sleeping pill Lunesta after boarding the red-eye flight, and also claimed that she was briefly detained by ICE.

In a recent interview with Page Six, the “Euphoria” star joked when asked how she was doing after the accident.

“Oh, you mean my flight plans? My performance art piece?” Lyonne said at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Taking Action Gala on Wednesday.

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“It was a doozy,” Lyonne admitted.

The “Orange is the New Black” alum told the outlet that he’s “grateful to be a ‘Marathon Man'” and noted that he’s taken three uneventful flights since the incident.

“Despite everything, I arrive on time and achieve those goals,” he said. “But yeah, it’s a weird moment, weird times.”

On April 7, Lyonne was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight because she appeared “off work” while seated in first class and flight attendants were unable to get a response from her during pre-flight checks.

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Natasha Lyonne arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of HBO’s “Euphoria” Season 3 at TCL Chinese Theater on April 7, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

Crew members called for help and the aircraft returned to the gate where it was escorted. In an

“I actually took a Lunesta after sitting down to get some closure on the Delta One red-eye flight to New York,” he wrote in x. He explained that he boarded the plane with nothing but his backpack and sneakers, “looking forward to a nap.”

Lyonne said her plan was to “be bushy-tailed and rested,” as she was scheduled to appear directly on “The Drew Barrymore Show” after landing. He claimed he was “detained” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I was looking forward to seeing Drew and a detailed conversation, but I guess ICE had other plans and I was detained instead. A sign of the times, I guess,” Lyonne wrote in part.

Natasha Lyonne attends the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 22, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Araya Doheny/Getty Images)

In a statement diversity, A Department of Homeland Security spokesman denied Lyonne’s claims.

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

The actor also revealed that he hasn’t had any issues with Delta or the TSA in the past, adding, “Our hearts are with you.” free @TSA employees. We apologize to all passengers who were delayed.”

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

When speaking to Page Six, Lyonne shrugged off the media’s description of her as a “survivor.”

“I don’t know if it happened [more] a wild ride [than] The “Russian Doll” star said: “I look down and I see my own two feet, so I just assume I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

“We’re all living in crazy times,” he added. “And we’re all doing the best we can.”

Natasha Lyonne was reportedly taken off the plane because she appeared confused and was not following flight rules. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

In January, Lyonne publicly announced her relapse after a decade of sobriety.

“My relapse went further,” Lyonne wrote about X in part. “Healing is a lifelong process. To anyone out there struggling, remember you are not alone. I am grateful for the love and smart feet.”

During an interview with Page Six, Lyonne reflected on her decision to speak out about her relapse.

“I think ultimately, as people in recovery, we are as sick as our secrets,” he said. “I’m not ashamed of being a real person.

“I think it’s important to tell the truth as much as we can,” Lyonne added. “It’s been an interesting journey.”

Natasha Lyonne at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum of Motion Picture Gala held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Variety via Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

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The “Russian Doll” actress shared a hopeful update in an X post last month, writing: “Proud to report that this kid is doing much better and is back on his feet.”

“I want to thank our recovery communities and our fans who have stood by us and supported us,” he continued. “I aim to keep the journey somewhat private, but I look forward to sharing my experiences, strength, and hope in a sensible way. My heart goes out to everyone going through this process.”

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Lyonne also poked fun at the incident while honoring Pink at the Planned Parenthood gala. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Lyonne later made fun of the plane incident while honoring Pink at the Planned Parenthood gala.

“Talk about a legend,” Lyonne said of Pink.

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“Like me, he doesn’t stand for people telling him what to do, how to act, or what to say. or Lyonne joked as the audience clapped and cheered.

“But I’ve taken three flights since then,” he added. “Eat my shorts.”