Matthew Perry’s Assistant Sentenced to 41 months Over Actor’s Ketamine Death

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Los Angeles: The personal assistant of late actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after admitting to supplying and injecting the actor with ketamine before his death in 2023.

Kenneth Iwamasa, who had worked closely with Perry for years, was sentenced in a Los Angeles federal court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors said he injected Perry with the drug multiple times, including the fatal dose, despite having no medical training.

Authorities said Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. According to court filings, Iwamasa had administered ketamine to the actor at Perry’s request before leaving the house. He later returned and discovered Perry unresponsive.

During the hearing, Iwamasa apologized to Perry’s family and said he regretted his actions. Perry’s stepfather also addressed the court, accusing the assistant of enabling the actor’s addiction instead of seeking help.

An autopsy concluded that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and other factors contributing to his death. Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic sometimes used medically to treat depression, but it is also abused recreationally as a party drug.

Federal prosecutors described Iwamasa as both an enabler and supplier who helped sustain Perry’s drug use. As part of a plea agreement, he cooperated with investigators and provided evidence against other people charged in connection with the case.

The sentencing effectively closes the prosecution involving five individuals who admitted to roles linked to Perry’s death.