Content Advisory: This article discusses drug use, addiction, overdose, and legal proceedings tied to Matthew Perry’s death. Reader discretion is advised.
Matthew Perry allegedly continued receiving ketamine even after doctors knew he had suffered a frightening reaction to the drug, according to a new documentary.
The late ‘Friends’ actor died on October 28, 2023, after he was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home. He was 54. His death was later attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, a drug Perry had reportedly been receiving before his death.
The latest episode of ‘Hollywood Demons’, titled ‘Doctor Feelgoods’, examines the investigation into Perry’s death and the network of people who allegedly supplied him with ketamine.
Matthew Perry Allegedly Had A Dangerous Reaction
According to the documentary, Perry’s ketamine level at the time of his death was 3271 ng/ml, a level described as high enough to render a person unconscious. The drug also allegedly worsened underlying health issues Perry was already facing.
The episode claims Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia were early sources of ketamine for Perry and initially injected him themselves.
In one incident, Dr. Plasencia allegedly injected Perry, and the actor had an adverse reaction. His blood pressure reportedly spiked, and he was suddenly unable to move.
Bill Bodner, a retired DEA special agent in charge, said in the documentary that the doctors should have recognized the danger of administering ketamine outside a hospital setting.
Doctors Allegedly Taught Assistant How To Inject Him
The documentary claims the doctors continued supplying Perry through his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. They also allegedly showed Iwamasa how to inject the actor.
Addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky called that detail “mind-boggling,” pointing out that Iwamasa was not a medical professional.
The last injections Perry reportedly received from Drs. Chavez and Plasencia came on October 12, 2023. After that, Perry and Iwamasa allegedly sought ketamine through other sources.
On the day Perry died, Iwamasa allegedly injected him three times with ketamine supplied by Jasveen Sangha, who has been referred to as the “Ketamine Queen.”
Arrests Followed Perry’s Death Investigation
After Perry’s death, investigators examined whether a crime was involved. That probe led to the arrests of Drs. Chavez and Plasencia, Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, and Sangha.
Iwamasa later pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Dr. Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, three years of probation, and community service.
Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including illegally providing the ketamine that resulted in Perry’s fatal overdose. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The episode’s synopsis says celebrity overdose cases often become global headlines, while the professionals behind the scenes can go unnoticed.
‘Doctor Feelgoods’ premiered Monday, May 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ID. New episodes of ‘Hollywood Demons’ premiere weekly and stream on HBO Max.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
