US prosecutors have charged five individuals, including two doctors, in connection with the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, who passed away at his Los Angeles home in October 2023.
“These defendants exploited Mr. Perry’s struggles with addiction for their own gain. They were fully aware of the risks they were imposing on him, yet they proceeded anyway,” said US Attorney Martin Estrada, as per Cape Town Etc.
According to Estrada, “In the end, these individuals prioritised profit over Mr. Perry’s well-being.”
One of the doctors, Salvador Plasencia, could face up to 120 years in federal prison.
Matthew Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show Friends, was discovered unresponsive in his swimming pool in October of last year. He was 54 years old. The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues around the world.
An autopsy revealed that Perry died from “the acute effects of ketamine,” a controlled substance that the actor, a recovering addict, was reportedly using as part of supervised therapy.
While only small traces were found in his stomach, a significant amount was present in his bloodstream.
The circumstances surrounding how Perry, who had not undergone a supervised infusion session for several days, obtained the drug led to a legal investigation.
In May, Los Angeles police confirmed they were looking into the matter. Ketamine, typically used by doctors and veterinarians as an anesthetic, is also researched as a potential treatment for depression and is illicitly used for its hallucinogenic properties.
Friends, a TV series following six New Yorkers as they navigate adulthood, became a global sensation and catapulted its cast, including Perry, into stardom. Perry’s character, Chandler Bing, was beloved for his sarcastic humour and reluctance to embrace adulthood.
Despite his success, Perry struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol. In 2018, he suffered a burst colon due to drug use, requiring multiple surgeries.
In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry opened up about his addiction and numerous attempts at detox. He dedicated the book to those battling similar struggles, writing in the prologue, ‘I should be dead.’
Following his sudden death, tributes poured in from Hollywood stars, his co-stars and Friends fans across the globe.
Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel on the show, expressed her grief, saying, “Oh boy, this one has cut deep.”
This article was originally published on Cape Town ETC. Written by Aiden Daries.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Getty
