Matthew Perry’s Personal Assistant Sentenced to 3.5 Years Over Actor’s Ketamine-Related Death

In a grim conclusion to the legal proceedings surrounding the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, his live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for his role in the actor’s fatal ketamine overdose. The 60-year-old pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, marking a pivotal moment in the two-and-a-half-year investigation into Perry’s October 28, 2023, death.

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, with his death attributed to acute ketamine toxicity, alongside contributing factors of drowning and coronary artery disease. Iwamasa’s sentencing, handed down on May 27, 2026, by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, reflects his direct involvement in securing and administering the drug to Perry in the weeks leading up to his death. Prosecutors alleged that Iwamasa, who had no medical training, worked with two doctors to obtain $50,000 worth of ketamine—despite Perry’s well-documented history of addiction.

The judge’s ruling underscored Iwamasa’s exploitation of Perry’s vulnerability, noting that he concealed evidence following the actor’s death. In a rare public apology after sentencing, Iwamasa addressed Perry’s family directly: “I’m so sorry to all of you. I’m just so sorry to have done illegal acts that I will forever regret. I will take it to my grave. I hope I’ll be a cautionary tale to someone who’s in my position to make better choices.”

Perry’s sister, Caitlin Morrison, responded with a stark rejection of sympathy, writing, “I have no sympathy for Kenny Iwamasa.” She added that on the night of Perry’s death, Iwamasa had either “escaped from something he knew he had done or was willfully abandoning a vulnerable person in a dangerous situation.” Her remarks reflect the broader public and familial outrage over the circumstances of Perry’s death, which has been widely framed as preventable.

The sentencing of Iwamasa brings closure to one chapter of the legal saga, though it follows the convictions of other figures linked to Perry’s death. In April 2026, Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors—was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being accused of supplying the drugs that led to Perry’s overdose. Sangha’s defense argued she had no knowledge of Perry’s death until after the fact, but prosecutors countered that she “didn’t care and kept selling” even after learning of the connection. Rehab counselor Erik Fleming received a two-year prison sentence, while two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, were sentenced to 30 months and eight months of home detention, respectively.

Perry’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting tributes from his Friends co-stars, including Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow, who shared heartfelt messages on social media. The case has also reignited discussions about addiction, celebrity culture, and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of trust. Perry’s legacy, once defined by his iconic role as Chandler Bing, now carries the weight of a preventable tragedy that has left lasting questions about accountability and systemic failures.

For those struggling with addiction, resources such as the UK’s FRANK and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer support and information.