In a heartbreaking development following the death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which resulted in Perry's untimely death. The revelations have shocked fans and the public alike, as details emerge about the assistant's role in administering the fatal doses of the potent anesthetic.
According to the Department of Justice, Iwamasa "repeatedly" injected Perry with ketamine in the days leading up to his death on October 28, 2023. Despite having no medical training, Iwamasa was entrusted with administering the drug to the 54-year-old actor, who was reportedly undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety. However, the therapy had concluded more than a week before his death, making the presence of high levels of ketamine in his system particularly alarming.
The indictment reveals that Iwamasa was not acting alone. He was part of a broader network that included two doctors-Salvador Plascencia and Mark Chavez-who were also charged in connection with Perry's death. These medical professionals allegedly conspired with Iwamasa to supply Perry with large quantities of ketamine, disregarding the potential dangers.
Plascencia, who is described in court documents as viewing Perry as a lucrative source of income, even provided Iwamasa with syringes and trained him on how to administer the injections. On multiple occasions, Iwamasa is said to have ordered additional supplies from Plascencia, who referred to the ketamine vials as "bottles of Dr. Pepper" in a bid to disguise their true nature.
In the days leading up to Perry's death, Iwamasa administered at least 15 shots of ketamine to the actor, with the final three doses being delivered on the day Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. The levels of ketamine found in Perry's system were consistent with those used for general anesthesia during surgery, far exceeding the therapeutic levels typically used for mental health treatment.
The case has drawn widespread attention, not only due to Perry's celebrity status but also because of the disturbing details surrounding his death. The public's reaction has been one of shock and sorrow, as Perry had been candid about his struggles with addiction, particularly in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. At the time of his death, Perry had been sober for 19 months, which made the circumstances of his overdose even more tragic.
Iwamasa's actions have led to significant legal consequences. By pleading guilty, he now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years. His co-conspirators, including Plascencia and Chavez, also face severe penalties. The case underscores the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the tragic outcomes that can result from the exploitation of individuals battling substance abuse.
Five individuals, including Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Salvador Plascencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, and a North Hollywood woman, Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as "The Ketamine Queen," have been charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023 due to an accidental overdose of ketamine. The charges, announced by the Department of Justice on August 15, shed light on the complex web of individuals allegedly involved in supplying the potent anesthetic that ultimately led to the beloved "Friends" star's untimely demise.
Perry's death, initially ruled an accident by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine. The autopsy revealed that the levels of ketamine in Perry's system were consistent with those used for general anesthesia during surgery, far exceeding what would be expected from his last documented ketamine infusion therapy, which occurred over a week prior to his death.
The revelations surrounding Perry's death have cast a dark shadow over his legacy. Best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," Perry had long been open about his struggles with addiction. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he detailed his battle with substance abuse, which had plagued him throughout his career. At the time of his death, Perry had reportedly been clean for 19 months, making the circumstances of his overdose all the more tragic.
