LOS ANGELES (AP) — The legal proceedings concerning the death of renowned “Friends” actor Matthew Perry concluded with the sentencing of his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on Wednesday. Iwamasa, who played a pivotal role in Perry’s ketamine addiction and administered a fatal dose of the drug, received a sentence of three years and five months in federal prison.
Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett addressed the 60-year-old Iwamasa in court, stating, “You were privy to his struggle with addiction. Your conduct was reckless, not just on the day of his death but in the days leading up to his death.” Perry passed away at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023.
Iwamasa was the final individual sentenced among a group of five, which included corrupt doctors and a major street dealer, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen.” Sangha’s 15-year sentence was the longest among the group, surpassing Iwamasa’s.
Debating the Assistant’s Responsibility
During the nearly three-hour hearing, discussions centered around Iwamasa’s level of responsibility in Perry’s death, particularly as the assistant to a powerful figure battling addiction. Alan Eisner, Iwamasa’s lawyer, argued for a lighter sentence, citing Iwamasa’s loyalty and admiration for Perry. “He worshipped Mr. Perry, he looked up to Mr. Perry. All he did was please and accommodate Mr. Perry,” Eisner stated.
However, Judge Garnett interrupted Eisner when he claimed Iwamasa was unable to act differently, saying, “Unwilling. Not unable. He could have said no.”
Perry’s family, including his mother, sisters, and stepfather Keith Morrison, expressed their belief that Iwamasa bore significant responsibility for Perry’s death. Morrison, a “Dateline” journalist, emphasized Iwamasa’s potential to prevent the tragedy, stating, “You did the injections. You could have made the phone call. But you didn’t.”
Allegations of Manipulation and Control
Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s long-time business manager and executor of his estate, accused Iwamasa of manipulating the situation to his advantage. She claimed he deliberately isolated Perry by removing other supportive figures to cement his influence over the actor. “What you are is the monster that killed him,” Ferguson stated, criticizing Iwamasa’s lack of remorse.
Facing Perry’s family in court, Iwamasa expressed his apologies, saying, “I’m horribly, horribly sorry, and I offer my condolences to you.” He acknowledged his illegal actions, which he said he would regret forever.
The Investigation and Sentencing
Initially hired by Perry in 2022 with an annual salary of $150,000, Iwamasa’s involvement in the actor’s death led to a broad investigation. The LA County Medical Examiner ruled ketamine as the primary cause of Perry’s death, with drowning as a secondary factor. Although Iwamasa initially misled police and destroyed evidence, he eventually confessed and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.
At the sentencing, Iwamasa faced public scrutiny, standing before numerous cameras as Eisner argued that the sentence did not accurately reflect the dynamics between Iwamasa and Perry. Despite Eisner’s arguments, the sentence matched the prosecutors’ request, accompanied by a $10,000 fine and two years of probation.
Perry’s stepfather, Morrison, expressed relief at the conclusion of the sentencing but noted the lasting impact of Perry’s death on the family, stating, “It doesn’t change the fact that we’ve lost him, that he’s dead, and that my wife is broken.”
Judge Garnett concluded that, while Iwamasa benefitted from his relationship with Perry, there was no evidence of malicious intent. Iwamasa is scheduled to begin his prison term on July 17.
Matthew Perry gained fame as part of the ensemble cast of “Friends,” alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow. The popular NBC sitcom aired from 1994 to 2004.
