Matthew Perry’s personal assistant, who played a significant role in the actor’s spiral into ketamine addiction and administered the fatal dose of the drug, received a three-year and five-month prison sentence on Wednesday. Kenneth Iwamasa, aged 60, was sentenced by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a federal court in Los Angeles. In addition to prison time, Iwamasa was also given two years of probation and a $10,000 US fine.
This sentencing marked the conclusion of a two-and-a-half-year investigation and legal proceedings following Perry’s passing at 54 on October 28, 2023. Judge Garnett, while delivering the sentence, pointed out that Iwamasa was aware of Perry’s battle with addiction and criticized his reckless behavior leading up to the actor’s death.
The sentence met the prosecution’s expectations, despite some disagreements on specific aspects. Judge Garnett noted that Iwamasa did not exploit a position of trust that could have resulted in a harsher punishment. She also mentioned the absence of concrete evidence showing malicious intent, although opinions on this differed.
Iwamasa, who had been Perry’s live-in personal assistant, was present during the actor’s final days, serving as an enabler, drug facilitator, and quasi-medical aide. He was the last person to see Perry alive and discovered him deceased in his hot tub.
During the sentencing, Iwamasa expressed deep remorse, apologizing to Perry’s family and friends for his actions. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death in August 2024 and cooperated with prosecutors as a key witness.
Iwamasa’s defense attorney advocated for a shorter prison term with home confinement, emphasizing his client’s subservient relationship to Perry. However, the judge intervened, highlighting that Iwamasa had the ability to refuse his duties.
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather and a prominent journalist, addressed the court on behalf of the family, emphasizing the trust they had placed in Iwamasa. Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s business manager and estate executor, condemned Iwamasa’s actions, accusing him of exploiting Perry’s addiction for personal gain.
The sentencing of Iwamasa marked the last in a series of prosecutions related to Perry’s death. Details emerged from Iwamasa’s plea agreement, revealing his involvement in obtaining ketamine from various sources, including doctors and acquaintances of Perry.
The Medical Examiner’s report identified ketamine as the primary cause of Perry’s death, with drowning listed as a secondary factor. Initially untruthful to authorities, Iwamasa eventually admitted to his role in Perry’s drug use after a search warrant was executed.
Matthew Perry, known for his role on the television show “Friends,” tragically passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the era’s most prominent actors.
