Matthew Perry’s Former Assistant Sentenced to Prison in Ketamine Overdose Case

Kenneth Iwamasa, the longtime personal assistant of late actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in the ketamine overdose that led to the death of the beloved “Friends” star in 2023. The sentencing concludes one of the most closely followed celebrity drug investigations in recent years.

A federal court in Los Angeles handed down the sentence after Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors alleged that he repeatedly supplied and injected Perry with the powerful anesthetic drug despite having no medical qualifications or training to administer such substances.

Investigators revealed that Perry had been struggling with addiction issues for years, even while publicly advocating for recovery and rehabilitation. According to court documents, Iwamasa continued administering ketamine to the actor during the final weeks of his life, despite witnessing concerning physical reactions following the injections. Matthew Perry, best known worldwide for playing Chandler Bing in the iconic television sitcom “Friends,” was found dead at his Los Angeles residence in October 2023 at the age of 54. Authorities later confirmed that the primary cause of death was acute ketamine effects combined with drowning in a hot tub.

During the court proceedings, members of Perry’s family addressed the judge and expressed grief over the actor’s death. Perry’s stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, criticized Iwamasa for enabling the actor’s addiction instead of helping him seek treatment and sobriety. Family members described the loss as devastating and avoidable.

In court, Iwamasa apologized for his actions and admitted responsibility. Prosecutors noted that his cooperation with investigators helped authorities pursue charges against several others linked to the illegal ketamine distribution network. Among those implicated in the broader investigation was alleged drug supplier Jasveen Sangha, often referred to in media reports as the “Ketamine Queen,” who previously received a lengthy prison sentence.

Besides the prison term, Iwamasa was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after completing his sentence. The case has reignited discussions in Hollywood about addiction, access to prescription drugs and the responsibilities of those surrounding vulnerable celebrities.