Matthew Perry's longtime personal assistant has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for her role in providing the ketamine that contributed to the "Friends" star's death, according to court documents.
The 54-year-old actor was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home in October 2023. Authorities determined Perry drowned while under the influence of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that had been prescribed by a doctor for depression treatment.
Background
Perry's struggles with addiction were well-documented throughout his life. The actor, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the beloved sitcom "Friends," had undergone numerous rehabilitation attempts over the years. Following his death, investigators launched an examination into how ketamine entered his system in the hours before he died.
Court records reveal that Perry's personal assistant, who had worked for him for years, obtained and administered multiple doses of ketamine to the actor in the days leading up to his death. The investigation uncovered a pattern of distribution involving several individuals connected to the star.
The Charges
The assistant pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, acknowledging her role in obtaining and delivering the drug that ultimately contributed to Perry's fatal outcome. Federal prosecutors argued that her actions, while not causing Perry's death directly, created the conditions that led to his drowning.
Prosecutors noted during sentencing that while multiple people were involved in distributing ketamine to Perry, the assistant occupied a position of trust as his longtime employee. The court considered her cooperation with investigators and acceptance of responsibility when determining the sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Perry died at age 54 in October 2023 after drowning in his hot tub
- Ketamine was found in his system at anesthetic levels at the time of death
- His personal assistant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine
- She received a prison sentence exceeding three years
- Multiple individuals faced charges connected to distributing drugs to Perry
What's Next
The case remains part of an ongoing federal investigation into drug distribution networks that supplied controlled substances to celebrities and others. Prosecutors have indicated additional charges against other defendants may be forthcoming as the inquiry continues.
Perry's death was ruled accidental, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Examiner determining drowning combined with acute ketamine effects as the cause.