Who Is Matthew Perry’s Assistant Being Charged In Actor’s Death?

Matthew Perry and assistant Kenny Iwasama

There have been five individuals arrested in connection to the death of Matthew Perry. The 54-year-old actor was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023. It was determined that he died from the acute effects of ketamine as well as drowning. His assistant, Kenneth (Kenny) Iwamasa, is one of the five people who have been charged in the Friends star’s death. Here is what is known about Kenny and his involvement in Perry’s death.

Kenny Iwamasa Gave Matthew Perry The Fatal Shot Of Ketamine

Kenny had pleaded guilty to giving Matthew Perry the fatal shot of ketamine the day he died. Prior to Perry’s death, Kenny had worked for the actor for more than 25 years and lived with him in his Los Angeles home. The 59-year-old’s LinkedIn profile lists Katie Lanier and Angela Bassett as some of his former clients.

On social media, Kenny describes himself as someone who thrives in “chaotic situations which call for order.” He also boasted about being discreet and loyal. “I love deadlines, contracts, dotting i’s and solving puzzling situations and projects,” he says about himself. 

Matthew Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa
YouTube/NBC News

After returning from running some errands, Kenny found Matthew unresponsive in the jacuzzi and called 911. On the day the Friends star died, Kenny administered several ketamine injections.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada has said that the individuals who have been arrested “took advantage” of Matthew Perry. Recognizing that he was falling back into addiction, they preyed on him to make money.

Among the people who were arrested were two doctors, two drug dealers, and Perry’s assistant. “We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment. We’re talking about two doctors who abused the trust they had, abused their licenses to put another person’s life at risk,” Estrada said.

Perry’s Assistant Faces Up To 15 Years In Prison

Kenny received the ketamine he administered to Perry from a drug dealer named Erik Fleming, who he identified in his plea deal. Fleming delivered 50 vials to Perry’s home in less than one month.

Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Anne Milgram has spoken out about the charges. “Today we announce charges brought against the five individuals who, together, are responsible for the death of Matthew Perry,” she said. “We allege each of the defendants played a key role in his death by falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting the ketamine that caused Matthew Perry’s tragic death.”

In the end, Milgram said that Perry’s death “began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust.” Ultimately, they saw the actor as a “payday.” His assistant Kenny played a huge role in connecting Perry with the people who would supply the drugs that killed him.

Matthew Perry via YouTube
Matthew Perry

He worked with the two doctors, Dr. Salvador Plascenia and Dr. Mark Chavez, to gain access to ketamine. When Perry’s addiction began to ramp up, he connected with a drug dealer, Erik Fleming, to get more ketamine.

After pleading guilty, Kenny Iwamasa will face up to 15 years in prison.

Amanda Blankenship

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