Matthew Perry's mother delivers emotional letter to court before assistant's sentencing in ketamine death case.
- May 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - Matthew Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, has delivered a deeply emotional message to the court ahead of the sentencing of Kenneth Iwamasa, the late actor’s assistant who pleaded guilty in connection with his 2023 death.
Kenneth Iwamasa was the first among five individuals charged in relation to the Friends star’s passing to reach a plea agreement with prosecutors. He admitted to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and agreed to testify against others involved. His sentencing is scheduled for 27 May and will be the final hearing among those charged.
In a letter obtained by the Daily Mail, Suzanne Morrison expressed feelings of betrayal, stating that she and her son had placed their trust in a man who lacked conscience. She recalled initial relief when Iwamasa was employed, believing he understood Perry’s struggles with addiction and would support his recovery.
The letter highlighted that Iwamasa’s primary responsibility was to act as a guardian and companion during Perry’s battle with substance abuse, ensuring he stayed drug-free. Morrison emphasized that the assistant had no reason to comply with any requests for drugs since help was always just a phone call away from the people who loved Perry.
However, she sharply criticized Iwamasa for administering ketamine to her son on multiple occasions despite the obvious danger it posed. She described his actions as repeated and reckless, underscoring the assistant’s disregard for the risks involved.
Further, Morrison accused Iwamasa of clinging to the family following Perry’s death, recounting how he would contact her over symbolic gestures like rainbows, one of Perry’s favorite things. She said he insisted on speaking at the funeral, portraying himself as the person who tried to save Perry, a claim she strongly disputes.
She concluded her statement with a poignant reflection on misplaced trust, saying that they had trusted a man without conscience and that her son ultimately paid the price.
The documents obtained also include other personal reflections from the family. Suzanne Morrison described the traumatic moment she first saw her son’s body after he was found dead in a hot tub at his home on 28 October 2023. She struggled to cover him while helicopters circled overhead attempting to capture images of the property.
Visiting the morgue the following day, she noted that Perry appeared almost peaceful and beautiful, a stark contrast to the years he had spent battling addiction.
The filings also feature a letter from Madeline Morrison, Perry’s half-sister, who conveyed the deep sense of betrayal she felt due to Iwamasa’s actions. She explained that the initial understanding she had of the day her brother died was based on lies, forcing her to relive the tragedy anew once the truth emerged.
In addition to Iwamasa, four others were charged in connection with Perry’s death. Jasveen Sangha was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to multiple counts related to distributing ketamine and using her home for drug distribution. Salvador Plasencia admitted to illegally prescribing ketamine in excessive amounts and received two and a half years in prison, two years probation, and a $56,000 fine.
Erik Fleming, a licensed drug counsellor, pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine and was sentenced to two years in prison with three years probation. Meanwhile, Mark Chavez, who supplied ketamine to Plasencia, also pleaded guilty and surrendered his medical license, receiving eight months of home confinement and three years of supervised release.
For those seeking support regarding drug addiction, confidential advice is available through Frank via email, text, or phone, and the NHS provides resources for those needing help.
This case continues to resonate deeply with fans and family alike, highlighting the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the importance of accountability among those close to vulnerable individuals.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Mirror.