Selma Blair Shares About ‘Wonderful’ New Midwest Boyfriend Amid MS Battle

Selma Blair has endured a challenging few years. She has dealt with alcoholism, separated from her partner, and faced a daunting health diagnosis. However, things have taken a positive turn since she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August 2018. The Legally Blonde actress is redefining what it means to live with a disability while experiencing improved health and finding love again.

Blair has shared that she has found love with a man from the Midwest, revealing details to Us Weekly. “He’s not in this business, although he has produced before. I wanted a Midwest man, and I found a real Midwest man,” she said. While the couple keeps their relationship private, Selma spoke fondly of her new partner and fitting him into her busy schedule.

“I saw him from across a table, and now he’s my boyfriend. Relationships are best kept out of the press if possible. Nobody wants to be exposed to scrutiny. But yes, it’s possible to find love at 52. And beyond!” she added.

Blair has reflected on fitting a relationship into her life, commenting, “Fitting anything in as a mother wanting to build a career and figure out when you’re going to get your blood treatments in—a boyfriend falls by the wayside really easily.” Due to these challenges, she has expressed skepticism about marriage, stating, “That’s why I would never want to get married. It’s a major setup to fail.”

The actress was previously married to writer and producer Ahmet Zappa in 2004, although they divorced two years later, citing irreconcilable differences. Selma has one son with her ex-partner Jason Bleick, and the former couple continues to co-parent 12-year-old Arthur Saint. Arthur accompanied Blair at a red carpet event in 2021 for her documentary, Introducing, Selma Blair, which chronicled her health struggles.

Blair has been candid about balancing motherhood and her MS diagnosis. She told Us Weekly, “I’m a single mom supporting my kid and want a great life for us. But I know I’m privileged, and others struggle so much more.”

Since her diagnosis and sharing her journey with the world, Blair feels her life has significantly improved. “Once I knew I had MS—which I’d had for a while—[things] made so much more sense. And I actually became much happier,” she said.

Blair’s honesty about living with MS has been praised widely. The disease causes the immune system to attack the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness, tremors, loss of balance, and trouble talking. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that 2.9 million people worldwide suffer from the chronic disease. Selma has spoken about the years she experienced symptoms before her diagnosis, including spasms and jerks, which she tried to suppress through various means, including excessive alcohol consumption.

Despite the challenges, Blair remains optimistic and proactive. She mentioned, “So many people come up to me on the street. I’ve never had that. Being honest about the diagnosis and putting myself out there has been a real enrichment in my life.”

The Cruel Intentions actress, who has been sober for over eight years, shows no sign of slowing down despite her MS diagnosis. She stated, “When the world is dark, you have to go and find the beautiful things. I’ve been living my best life trying to do just that.”