The doctor who provided Matthew Perry with ketamine has been sentenced to 30 months in prison, a consequence revealed in court today.
Matthew Perry, beloved for his iconic role as Chandler Bing inFriends, tragically died in October 2023 at the age of 54. An autopsy later determined the cause of death to be the “acute effects of ketamine.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death led to charges against five individuals. These included his personal assistant, two other suppliers, and two doctors, one of whom became known as the ‘Ketamine Queen.’
Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to supplying Perry with the drug. He appeared in court on December 3rd to receive his sentence, a proceeding that unfolded at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles, California.
During the nearly two-hour sentencing hearing, Dr. Plasencia reportedly expressed remorse, visibly emotional throughout his statement. He publicly apologized to Perry’s family for the pain his actions caused.
Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, and stepfather, Keith Morrison, were present in court, directly addressing the judge. They described Dr. Plasencia as the “most culpable” party, struggling to understand his repeated provision of drugs to the actor.
In a letter to the judge last month, Plasencia acknowledged his profound error in judgment. He stated he hadn’t intended to cause harm, but admitted to betraying his duty as a physician and crossing lines that should never have been crossed.
Plasencia, 43, initially faced a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and substantial fines. He voluntarily surrendered his medical license following his arrest and admitted guilt to four counts of distributing ketamine.
The other four individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death have also entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing in the coming months. Their involvement contributed to a chain of events that culminated in tragedy.
The courtroom was filled with a palpable sense of grief and a demand for accountability, as Perry’s family sought justice following the loss of a cherished son and stepson. The sentence marks a significant step in addressing the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Perry was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home, a scene that launched the investigation and ultimately revealed the role of ketamine in his passing. The case has highlighted the dangers of unregulated access to powerful medications.
