New court documents detail the harrowing last hours of actor Matthew Perry, including allegations of a reckless drug network and a troubling dependency on ketamine

The tragic final hours of actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role in Friends, have been brought to light through recently filed court documents. Perry was found dead at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, from a drug overdose involving ketamine.

According to the documents, Perry was using ketamine in a dangerous manner, taking the drug six to eight times a day. Key figures in this case include Perry’s live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and Jasveen Sangha, all of whom have been implicated in connection with Perry’s death. Plasencia, known as “Dr. P,” and Sangha, referred to as the “Ketamine Queen,” are accused of facilitating Perry’s drug use.

On the day of his death, Perry reportedly requested a “big one” of ketamine from Iwamasa. The assistant administered the drug at 8:30 a.m. and again at 12:45 p.m., and later found Perry face down in his jacuzzi. The documents reveal that Perry had a significant amount of ketamine in his system, equivalent to what would be used for general anaesthesia.

In the days leading up to Perry’s death, he had developed an “out of control” dependence on ketamine, initially prescribed for depression and anxiety but later misused. Despite a bad reaction to a dose on October 12, which led to a spike in his blood pressure, Perry continued to source the drug unsupervised.

Several individuals involved in Perry’s drug network have pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine. Iwamasa and Eric Fleming admitted to conspiracy charges, while Dr. Mark Chavez also pleaded guilty. Plasencia and Sangha have denied the charges and are set to go to trial.

The court documents also reveal extensive communication among the defendants discussing drug transactions and using codewords to refer to ketamine. For instance, ketamine was sometimes referred to as “Dr Pepper.” One defendant allegedly remarked on Perry’s spiraling addiction, yet continued to provide him with the drug.

Analysis:

• Political: The case highlights significant concerns about the regulation of controlled substances and the role of medical professionals in managing addiction. The involvement of multiple individuals in the illegal distribution of ketamine points to potential gaps in oversight and enforcement within the pharmaceutical and medical communities.
• Social: Perry’s tragic death underscores the growing issue of substance abuse and the dangerous reliance on illicit drugs. The case also reflects broader issues of celebrity culture and the pressures that individuals in the public eye may face, including the misuse of medication as a coping mechanism.
• Racial: The case does not explicitly address racial issues but involves a diverse group of individuals. The use of ketamine and its distribution appears to transcend racial boundaries, focusing instead on the legal and ethical violations within the drug trade.
• Gender: Gender dynamics are noted in the roles of individuals involved, such as Jasveen Sangha, who is a key figure in the drug distribution network. The case may reflect broader issues of gender in drug distribution and management, though this is less central to the overall narrative.
• Economic: The economic implications include potential impacts on the pharmaceutical industry and legal consequences for those involved in illegal drug distribution. The case may also affect public perceptions of drug safety and the responsibilities of medical professionals in prescribing controlled substances.