Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant to the late Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in the actor’s tragic death. Perry, best known for his iconic role in the TV show Friends, was found deceased in his Los Angeles backyard hot tub in October 2023.
Investigations revealed that Iwamasa, who had no medical training, provided Perry with ketamine, a powerful anesthetic drug, in collaboration with two doctors. Over weeks leading up to Perry’s death, the personal assistant facilitated the distribution of more than $50,000 worth of ketamine. Iwamasa pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
At sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett also imposed two years of probation and a $10,000 fine on Iwamasa. Prosecutors highlighted that following Perry’s death, Iwamasa attempted to obstruct justice by destroying evidence.
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The actor’s family expressed deep anguish over the betrayal. Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, said, “Matthew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny. Kenny’s most important job—by far—was to be my son’s companion and guardian in his fight against addiction. We trusted a man without a conscience, and my son paid the price.”
Perry’s sister, Madeline Morrison, revealed that Iwamasa addressed the mourners at Perry’s funeral. She lamented, “The person responsible for my brother’s death stood up and addressed the people who loved him most. He tainted our final memories of saying goodbye.”
This case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by unqualified individuals administering controlled substances and the profound impact on the families of those lost.