ENTERTAINMENT
Doctor makes incredible admission in Matthew Perry death case
A year after the tragic death of the actor most famous for his role in Friends, further developments continue in court.
It’s been a full 12 months since we reported the sad news about the actor, and there has now been a development tied to the death of Friends star Matthew Perry. A California doctor has admitted to illegally distributing the drug ketamine, a substance found to have played a significant role in the actor’s untimely demise. Dr. Mark Chavez, one of five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death, entered a guilty plea in a Los Angeles federal court, acknowledging his part in the case that has captivated attention since the beloved actor’s passing.
Chavez’s admission comes as a significant moment in the legal aftermath of Perry’s death, which occurred in October 2023. Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing, had been open about his struggles with substance abuse, a battle that ultimately ended when he drowned in his hot tub due to the “acute effects” of ketamine, among other contributing factors, according to an autopsy report released in December.
How was Matthew Perry given ketamine?
Court documents paint a troubling picture of Perry’s final days. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a fellow physician, allegedly purchased the ketamine from Chavez, later administering it to Perry. The vials were then passed on to Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who reportedly injected the drug into the actor. While Chavez has now admitted his role, Plasencia and a co-defendant, Jasveen Sangha – dubbed the “ketamine queen” for her involvement in supplying the drug – have both pleaded not guilty. Their trial is set for March.
In a damning piece of evidence, text messages between Chavez and Plasencia surfaced, where Plasencia coldly wondered how much Perry, whom he referred to as a “moron,” would pay for the ketamine. This callous remark adds a layer of grim irony to a case already filled with tragic overtones.
What happens next in the Perry legal proceedings?
Chavez, who faces up to 10 years in prison, is said to be cooperating with authorities. His lawyer, Matt Binninger, emphasized his client’s remorse, explaining that Chavez’s regret is not merely because the victim was a celebrity, but because “someone who was trying to seek treatment died.”
Perry’s death has already highlighted once again the ongoing challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry dealing with addiction. While he brought a smile to millions around the world, his personal battle was tragic, but far from uncommon.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine, commonly used in medical settings as a short-term anesthetic for both humans and animals, is also prescribed to treat depression. Classified as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen,” the drug is often misused recreationally, with users injecting, snorting, drinking, or smoking it to achieve its mind-altering effects.
According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, ketamine can “distort perceptions of sight and sound,” leaving users feeling detached from their surroundings and out of control.
In the case of Matthew Perry, the Department of Medical Examiner found alarmingly high levels of ketamine in his system – comparable to doses typically used for inducing general anesthesia during surgery.