Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant who resided with Matthew Perry and played a pivotal role in the actor’s spiral into ketamine addiction, has been given a sentence of three years and five months in prison. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in Los Angeles federal court, also includes two years of probation and a $10,000 US fine for the 60-year-old Iwamasa. This marks the final sentencing in the investigation and legal proceedings that ensued following Perry’s passing at 54 years old on October 28, 2023.
During the sentencing, Judge Garnett highlighted Iwamasa’s knowledge of Perry’s struggles with addiction and labeled his actions as reckless not only on the day of Perry’s death but in the days leading up to it. While the prosecutors had sought the exact sentence that was given, the judge disagreed on certain aspects. She determined that Iwamasa did not exploit a position of trust, which could have led to a longer prison term, and acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence of malicious intent in his actions, despite differing opinions.
Iwamasa, who was present with Perry during his final days, fulfilling roles such as enabler, drug facilitator, and quasi-medical advisor, was the last individual to see Perry alive and the one who discovered him deceased in his hot tub. In his statement before the court, he expressed deep remorse and extended condolences to Perry’s family and friends. He admitted guilt in August 2024, pleading to a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and becoming a key witness for the prosecution.
Perry’s stepfather, veteran Dateline journalist Keith Morrison, represented the family at the sentencing, emphasizing the trust they had in Iwamasa despite recognizing the power dynamics at play. Morrison pointed out the choices Iwamasa made, including administering injections and failing to seek help when needed, holding him accountable for his actions. Perry’s business manager, Lisa Ferguson, criticized Iwamasa for exploiting Perry’s vulnerability for personal gain, labeling him as the “monster” responsible for Perry’s demise.
The series of events leading to Perry’s death involved Iwamasa procuring ketamine from various sources, including a doctor and an acquaintance, ultimately resulting in fatal consequences. The investigation revealed a pattern of Iwamasa administering multiple injections of ketamine to Perry daily in the days leading up to the tragedy. The LA County Medical Examiner confirmed ketamine as the primary cause of death, with drowning listed as a secondary cause.
Matthew Perry’s legacy as a prominent figure from the iconic TV show Friends remains overshadowed by the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely passing and the legal aftermath involving his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
