Matthew Perry Family Speaks Out as Assistant Sentenced in Ketamine Death Case

The family of late actor Matthew Perry has spoken publicly with heartbreaking detail following the sentencing of his former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, in connection with the actor’s 2023 ketamine overdose death.

Iwamasa, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, was sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison. The sentencing hearing included emotional victim impact statements from Matthew Perry’s sisters, Caitlin Morrison and Madeline Morrison, as well as remarks from Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, and stepfather, Keith Morrison.

The case has once again placed a spotlight on addiction, celebrity vulnerability, and accountability surrounding prescription drug abuse.

Matthew Perry’s Family Says They Felt “Betrayed”

In powerful court filings, Matthew Perry’s sisters accused Kenneth Iwamasa of betraying the trust placed in him as the actor’s assistant and companion.

Madeline Morrison described learning new details about Perry’s final hours as devastating, writing that it felt as though her brother “died all over again.” She claimed the assistant misled the family in the aftermath of the tragedy and criticized him for allegedly abandoning Perry after administering ketamine injections.

Jasveen Sangha ‘Ketamine Queen’ played a role in Matthew Perry’s Death

According to prosecutors, Kenneth Iwamasa repeatedly injected Matthew Perry with ketamine despite lacking any medical training. Authorities stated he administered several doses on the day Perry died in October 2023.

Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The actor was 54 years old.

Keith Morrison Condemns Assistant During Sentencing

During the sentencing hearing, veteran broadcaster Keith Morrison sharply criticized Iwamasa, accusing him of failing to protect Perry during his struggles with addiction.

Morrison said the family had trusted Iwamasa to support Perry’s recovery journey, but instead, he allegedly enabled destructive behavior. He emotionally told the court that Iwamasa “could have called someone” when Perry’s condition worsened.

Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, also expressed disappointment, saying the assistant’s primary responsibility should have been helping the actor remain drug-free.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Iwamasa worked alongside several other individuals, including doctors and suppliers, to obtain ketamine illegally for Perry.

Wider Investigation Into Ketamine Distribution

The investigation into Perry’s death led to charges against five individuals tied to the illegal ketamine distribution network.

Among them was Jasveen Sangha, widely referred to in media reports as the “Ketamine Queen,” who previously received a 15-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple drug distribution charges.

Other defendants included Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Erik Fleming, all of whom accepted plea agreements tied to the case.

Authorities said Perry had previously undergone medically supervised ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, but later became dependent on the drug outside professional treatment settings.

Matthew Perry’s Legacy Lives On

Despite the painful legal proceedings, Perry’s family emphasized their desire to remember him for his humor, generosity, and impact on millions of fans worldwide.

Perry openly discussed his battle with addiction throughout his life and became an advocate for recovery awareness. His memoir and interviews inspired many struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.

As the case concludes, the tragedy surrounding Perry’s death continues to spark conversations about addiction treatment, celebrity exploitation, and the dangers of unregulated drug access.

Fans across the world continue to celebrate Perry not only for his unforgettable television career but also for his honesty, resilience, and humanity.