In a new documentary, it’s been revealed that Matthew Perry, the former star of “Friends”, was administered 27 shots of ketamine in the three days leading up to his death on October 28, 2023. The documentary explores the criminal network implicated in his fatal overdose.
Released on Tuesday, February 25, the Peacock documentary titled “Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy” delves into the detailed investigation which led to charges against five individuals. These include two doctors, Perry’s assistant, and a drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, who spearheaded the investigation, indicates in the documentary that a network of medical professionals and others allegedly took advantage of Perry’s addiction for financial gain. Estrada notes, “In the past, we used to call these things ‘overdose deaths’ and do more blaming of the victim. We don’t do that anymore.” Now, the focus is on holding those who supplied the drugs accountable.
The autopsy report confirmed that Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 and had been candid about his addiction struggles, died due to the “acute effects of ketamine.” His death was ruled an accidental drowning, according to the New York Post.
Charges have been filed against Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and middleman Erik Fleming. Prosecutors characterize them as part of a “broad underground criminal network” focused on acquiring and distributing ketamine.
Investigation revealed text messages where Dr. Plasencia allegedly viewed Perry’s addiction as a lucrative opportunity. As per one doctor’s messages regarding Perry, he was referred to as “this moron” willing to pay inflated prices for ketamine.
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Court documents reveal he confessed to injecting Perry with ketamine several times daily during the actor’s last weeks, despite having no medical training. Dr. Plasencia is alleged to have instructed Iwamasa on how to administer the injections.
The investigation discovered that Perry initially received legitimate ketamine treatments for depression from other doctors. When those doctors refused to provide more ketamine, Perry turned to the group now facing charges.
Allegedly, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” sold Perry over 50 vials of ketamine via middleman Erik Fleming. Investigators have also connected Sangha to another ketamine overdose death in 2019, suggesting a pattern of dangerous distribution.
“There needs to be accountability,” stress prosecutors in the documentary, arguing that Perry should not have been left alone while under the influence of ketamine.
This case is part of a wider trend where authorities are holding drug suppliers responsible in celebrity overdose deaths. Legal experts note similar prosecutions followed the deaths of musicians Mac Miller and Prince.
Medical experts warn that ketamine, while deemed safe under proper medical supervision, poses significant risks when abused. The CDC reports ketamine was detected in 0.4% of overdose deaths in the United States from July 2019 to June 2023, with approximately 82% of those deaths involving multiple substances.
As of March 2025, the joint trial of Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, originally set to start on March 4, 2025, has been postponed to August 19, 2025. The delay was granted after defense attorneys requested more time for preparation, a request approved by U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett to avoid a potential miscarriage of justice.
Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. This delay underlines the complexities of preparing a defense against such grave charges. Given Perry’s prominence from “Friends” and his public battle with addiction, the trial is anticipated to draw substantial media attention.
Both Sangha and Plasencia’s upcoming trial will center on their alleged roles in the distribution of ketamine that resulted in Perry’s fatal overdose. Both defendants have waived their rights to a speedy trial, acknowledging the need for meticulous preparation.
The documentary offers a stark look at how Perry, despite his wealth and celebrity status, became susceptible to exploitation by those who were supposed to prioritize his health and safety. It also highlights the perils of ketamine misuse, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse.
