Kenneth Iwamasa, the live-in personal assistant of Matthew Perry, played a significant role in the actor’s spiral into ketamine addiction. Iwamasa was responsible for administering the fatal dose of the drug that led to Perry’s death. On Wednesday, 60-year-old Iwamasa was sentenced to three years and five months in prison by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a federal court in Los Angeles. In addition to the prison term, Iwamasa was also handed two years of probation and a $10,000 US fine.
This sentencing marked the conclusion of a two-and-a-half-year investigation and prosecution following Perry’s passing at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Judge Garnett, while delivering the sentence, addressed Iwamasa, acknowledging his awareness of Perry’s struggles with addiction. She criticized his reckless behavior leading up to Perry’s demise, stating, “Your conduct was reckless not only on the day of his death but also in the days preceding it.”
During the court proceedings, Iwamasa expressed deep remorse for his actions. He admitted to being deeply sorry for his illegal acts and extended condolences to Perry’s family and friends. Iwamasa was the primary caregiver for Perry in his final days, serving as an enabler, drug facilitator, and quasi-medical advisor. He was present when Perry passed away, discovering him lifeless in his hot tub.
Iwamasa’s attorney, Alan Eisner, argued for a more lenient sentence, emphasizing his client’s unwavering loyalty to Perry. However, Judge Garnett interjected, highlighting that Iwamasa had the ability to make different choices but failed to do so. Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, spoke on behalf of the family at the sentencing, expressing their trust in Iwamasa despite the power dynamics at play.
Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s longtime business manager and estate executor, painted a stark picture of Iwamasa’s actions, accusing him of manipulating Perry’s vulnerabilities for personal gain. She condemned Iwamasa as the “monster” responsible for Perry’s death, emphasizing his lack of remorse since the tragic event.
The court learned that Iwamasa procured ketamine from various sources, including a doctor and an acquaintance of Perry. He was administering large doses of ketamine to Perry multiple times a day leading up to the actor’s passing. The medical examiner confirmed that ketamine was the primary cause of Perry’s death, with drowning listed as a secondary factor.
Perry’s legacy as a beloved actor on the iconic sitcom “Friends” alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow remains untarnished despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.