Facing the full weight of the law, an irresponsible doctor admitted to being guilty of his wrongful distribution of ketamine, leading to the death of a beloved TV star whom many fans mourned and cried for.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces up to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to supplying ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry before his fatal overdose.
The doctor, who callously referred to Perry as a “moron” in text messages, exploited the actor’s addiction for financial gain while disregarding medical standards.
Perry, known worldwide for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023.
Medical examiners determined that ketamine was the primary cause of death.
The 54-year-old actor had been legally using ketamine therapy for depression but sought additional amounts beyond what his regular physician would prescribe.
Plasencia has admitted to four counts of ketamine distribution related to Perry’s death. Court documents revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation.
In one text message exchange with another doctor, Plasencia wrote, “I wonder how much this moron will pay. ”
This shows complete disregard for Perry’s well-being while viewing him solely as a source of income.
The doctor’s actions went far beyond unethical behavior.
Plasencia not only supplied Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, lozenges, and syringes illegally but also instructed the actor’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on how to inject the powerful drug.
Plasencia administered ketamine to Perry multiple times, including in a parking lot, and collected $12,000 for just one visit.
In a disturbing development, on October 12 that same year, Perry experienced a dangerous spike in blood pressure after the doctor administered ketamine.
Despite this clear warning sign, the Plasencia left additional vials with Iwamasa.
Perry died from an overdose of ketamine, though court documents indicated this final dose came from another source, not directly from Plasencia.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of Matthew Perry's doctors, has accepted a plea deal, copping to four counts of distributing ketamine to Perry. https://t.co/9p5JLg3qNc
— ExtraTV (@extratv) June 16, 2025
Moreover, the investigation has revealed a network of enablers surrounding Perry’s addiction.
Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, causing death.
Erik Fleming, a friend who acted as a middleman, admitted to distributing the ketamine that killed Perry and is now cooperating with prosecutors.
Meanwhile, alleged ketamine dealer Jasveen Sangha has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.
Perry’s long battle with addiction dated back to his time on the TV series.
His death underscores the ongoing crisis of prescription drug abuse in Hollywood, where wealth and connections can provide access to controlled substances through unethical medical professionals willing to prioritize profit over patient safety.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors will drop three additional counts of distribution and two counts of falsifying records against Plasencia.
While he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years, he has not yet been sentenced, nor have any of the other defendants in the case.
This tragic case reveals how easily the medical system can be manipulated when doctors abandon their oath to “first, do no harm.”
It also raises serious questions about accountability in celebrity medicine and the need for stricter oversight of controlled substances that, while potentially beneficial when properly administered, can be deadly in the wrong hands.
