Photo Credit: Getty Images
Five individuals, including two doctors, have been charged in connection with the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday morning. The charges stem from allegations that the defendants were involved in distributing ketamine to Perry in the weeks leading up to his death in October 2023.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit television show Friends, was found deceased at his Pacific Palisades home at the age of 54. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office determined that Perry died as a result of the "acute effects of ketamine" and subsequent drowning. Perry's death was met with widespread shock and grief, especially among fans of Friends, where he starred from 1994 to 2004.
During the press conference, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating that the defendants "took advantage of Mr. Perry's addiction issues." He noted that they were fully aware of the wrongful nature of their actions.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly in light of Perry's well-documented struggles with substance abuse, which he candidly discussed in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. In the book, Perry detailed his decades-long battle with addiction, which began after he was prescribed Vicodin following a jet ski accident on the set of the 1997 film Fools Rush In. His addiction escalated to the point where he was taking up to 55 pills a day, resulting in a dramatic physical transformation during his time on Friends.
Authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding Perry's death, with the Los Angeles Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service all involved in the inquiry. Earlier this year, LAPD Captain Scot Williams told CNN that the investigation was criminal in nature and that they were looking into the sources of the drugs Perry had obtained.
Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has recently gained popularity as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It is believed that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy before his death, and two of the doctors charged were reportedly involved in administering this treatment.
The death of Matthew Perry was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, with his Friends co-stars—Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow—issuing a heartfelt joint statement expressing their devastation. They described Perry as more than just a colleague, but as a member of their extended family.
The charges against those involved in Perry's death highlight the ongoing challenges and risks associated with addiction and the responsibilities of medical professionals in managing treatment. The case continues to unfold as the legal process moves forward.
