US prosecutors announced on Thursday that five individuals, including two doctors, have been charged in connection with the tragic death of Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show “Friends.” Perry passed away last October at his Los Angeles home, following a long battle with addiction.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction for personal gain, knowing the risks involved. “These individuals prioritized their own financial gain over Perry’s well-being,” Estrada said.
Among those charged is Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who faces up to 120 years in federal prison. The charges also include Perry’s assistant, highlighting a broad scope of alleged misconduct.
Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his swimming pool, which led to an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues around the world. An autopsy revealed that his death was due to the acute effects of ketamine—a drug he was reportedly using under supervised care. Although small amounts were found in his stomach, high levels were detected in his bloodstream.
The investigation into how Perry obtained the drug became a focal point for Los Angeles police, who confirmed their probe in May. Ketamine, commonly used as an anesthetic and explored as a treatment for depression, is also misused illicitly for its hallucinogenic properties.
“Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004, was a cultural phenomenon that turned its cast into household names. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, a sarcastic and lovable character, made him a beloved figure to millions.
Despite his success, Perry struggled privately with addiction issues. In 2018, he endured a severe medical emergency related to drug use and had multiple surgeries. His 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” detailed his ongoing battles with addiction, reflecting on numerous attempts at detoxification.
Perry’s unexpected death reverberated through Hollywood, with fellow actors and fans expressing their profound sadness. Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green on “Friends,” described the loss as deeply impactful.
