Mother of Matthew Perry Blames Assistant for Son’s Drug Addiction
In a poignant victim impact statement, Suzanne Morrison, the mother of actor Matthew Perry, has accused his former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, of exacerbating the addiction that ultimately led to her son’s untimely death in 2023.
Perry’s Tragic Passing and the Circumstances Surrounding It
Perry, who was 54 at the time of his passing, was found unresponsive in the bathtub of his home. An autopsy later confirmed that he died from an accidental ketamine overdose.
Details of Perry’s Mental Health Treatment
In the months leading up to his death, Perry underwent various treatments for his anxiety and depression, including intravenous ketamine therapy. However, it was reported that he subsequently developed a dependency on this treatment and sought additional doses.
Conspiracy to Distribute Ketamine Revealed
The Department of Justice disclosed that Iwamasa, along with Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood—Eric Fleming, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, conspired to illegally obtain and distribute ketamine to Perry.
Iwamasa’s Guilty Plea
On August 7, 2024, Iwamasa pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine that resulted in Perry’s death. He admitted to administering multiple doses of the drug to Perry without any medical training.
The Impact of Addiction on Perry’s Life
In her victim impact statement, Suzanne Morrison described her son as “Masso,” a childhood name he held dear. She shared the deeply painful moment of finding him unresponsive, stating, “He was my heart and soul. And then one night he became just a body, lying almost naked on the cold, wet grass in my backyard.”
Family’s Trust in Iwamasa Betrayed
Morrison highlighted how her family trusted Iwamasa, believing he truly understood Perry’s struggle with addiction. Instead of acting as a supportive figure, however, he contributed to Perry’s addiction, injecting him with drugs repeatedly despite being unqualified to do so. Iwamasa’s actions, according to Morrison, exemplified a betrayal that came at a tragic cost.
Upcoming Sentencing and Future Implications
Iwamasa’s sentence is set to be announced on May 27th. The case has raised significant questions regarding accountability in the management of mental health and addiction, reminding us of the complexities and dangers surrounding drug use and dependency.
