The Case Against Matthew Perry’s Accused Killers

As someone who has spent years navigating the tumultuous waters of Hollywood and its associated industries, I find myself deeply troubled by this case surrounding Perry’s assistant, Iwamasa. The power dynamics at play here are all too familiar – assistants, often young and eager to please, find themselves in precarious positions where they must choose between their own morals and the demands of their bosses.

Discussions about power dynamics within the entertainment industry have resurfaced as the trial against Matthew Perry’s alleged drug dealers unfolds. The role of his former assistant Kenneth Iwamasa has sparked debate, particularly after he admitted to administering ketamine to Perry on multiple occasions, including the day he passed away. In a recent piece by Vanity Fair titled “Did Matthew Perry’s Assistant Have a Choice? Hollywood Veterans Aren’t So Sure,” many interviewees questioned Iwamasa’s ability to resist his boss’s demands, while others considered his actions to be morally questionable, even if he felt powerless in the situation.

The events being discussed transpired several weeks following the announcement by federal prosecutors in Los Angeles on August 15, 2023, that five individuals were charged in connection with Perry’s death, which occurred on October 28, 2023. Among those charged, three including Iwamasa, have either admitted guilt or plan to do so in this case. On the other hand, Salvador “Dr. P” Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, who are accused of dealing Special K (ketamine), and were known as “the Ketamine Queen”, have pleaded not guilty. The prosecutors portrayed a chilling picture of cold-hearted exploitation leading ultimately to Perry’s sad demise. According to the authorities, this pair intentionally took advantage of Perry’s weaknesses for their own gain.

Wait, go back: Who is charged with what?

The group, Sangha, is accused of handling the distribution of the ketamine that led to Perry’s demise. On the other hand, Plasencia is being charged for distributing ketamine and manipulating documents related to the federal investigation. It is alleged by prosecutors that towards the end of 2023, Plasencia found out about Perry’s interest in obtaining ketamine. They claim he leveraged his connections, which encompassed the former proprietor of a ketamine clinic, to acquire the potent narcotic. Over time, Sangha emerged as one of Plasencia’s ketamine suppliers for the supply destined for Perry, according to prosecutors. Both have denied their guilt. Their trial is scheduled for March 2025.

Weren’t other people involved?

Yes: Erik Fleming, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Kenneth Iwamasa.

On August 8, Fleming admitted guilt for two charges related to Perry’s demise: one for conspiring to distribute ketamine, and another for distributing ketamine that led to Perry’s death. According to the prosecution, Fleming has acknowledged supplying the ketamine that caused Perry’s death. He also disclosed that he got this ketamine from Sangha and handed 50 vials of it to Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant. Fleming admitted to distributing half of these vials only four days before Perry’s passing. The authorities stated that Iwamasa played a crucial role in this operation, collaborating with Sangha, Fleming, and Plasencia to sell ketamine to Perry.

Chavez chose to admit guilt for conspiring to illegally distribute ketamine. As part of his plea deal, he confessed to selling ketamine to Plasencia, some of which he diverted from his previous medical facility. Additionally, he obtained extra quantities of ketamine for Plasencia by providing false information to a legitimate wholesale supplier and forging a prescription in the name of an old patient without their knowledge.

On August 7th, Iwamasa admitted guilt for conspiring to illegally distribute ketamine that led to a fatal outcome, and he confessed to administering multiple unauthorized ketamine injections to his former boss without any medical background, including several on the day Perry passed away.

What does the text-message evidence against them reveal?

In an updated indictment, authorities have outlined a series of incriminating text messages suggesting a drug conspiracy involving Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha. On September 30, 2023, when Plasencia learned that Perry was interested in ketamine, he reportedly messaged Chavez, “I’m curious about how much this person will pay” and “let’s find out.” The same day, Chavez is said to have sent a picture of ketamine lozenges (obtained fraudulently) to Plasencia via text. They also arranged to meet so that Plasencia could purchase liquid ketamine. At their meeting, Chavez reportedly sold Plasencia at least four vials of liquid ketamine, lozenges, gloves, and needles, according to court documents. Plasencia then texted Perry saying he would leave the vials for self-administration, offering “I will give you the first dose if you’d like, and leave supplies with you.” Court papers claim that he also showed Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine and left drugs and syringes with him. Later that day, Plasencia reportedly described his encounter with Perry as being “like a bad movie,” according to prosecutors.

The documents detail multiple conversations among the accused drug dealers. Iwamasa is said to have texted Plasencia in early October 2023, “I’d rather have eight bottles of Dr Pepper (a code name for the substance), not just eight occasions.” Before meeting with Perry again, Plasencia reportedly told Chavez, “If today goes well, we might have repeat business.” The two, Iwamasa and Plasencia, were said to have discussed administering ketamine to Perry via texts and their attempts to acquire more. At one point, Plasencia is claimed to have injected Perry with ketamine in a car parked in a public lot, according to the prosecutors.

When did things escalate with Jasveen Sangha?

After Iwamasa inquired about obtaining ketamine from Fleming on October 10, he texted him, “What’s the price per bottle and what would be an appropriate tip for you?” In response, Fleming asked Sangha if she had any ketamine. They subsequently discussed the prices, as stated by prosecutors. According to the allegations, Sangha told Fleming in a text, “It’s unlabeled but it’s fantastic — try some and I have more if you like it.” Later, Fleming informed Iwamasa, saying, “I just got this from my contact who deals exclusively with high-end individuals and celebrities. If it weren’t top-notch, she wouldn’t be in business.” Ultimately, Fleming acquired ketamine from Sangha and brought it to Perry’s house, as stated in court documents. Later that month, after learning about Perry’s October 28 death, Sangha allegedly texted Fleming, “Delete all our messages.

According to prosecutors, Fleming continuously corresponded with Sangha. On October 30th, it’s claimed he sent her a text message that suggested he wasn’t overly concerned about potential legal consequences: “Could you call… I have additional information and want to discuss some ideas. I’m around 90% confident that everyone is secure,” he allegedly wrote. “I didn’t interact with [Perry]. Only his assistant did. So the assistant was the one facilitating things. Also, they are conducting a three-month toxicology test… Does K remain in your system or does it quickly leave?

What are people saying about Perry’s assistant?

Discussion has arisen about whether Iwamasa was put in a difficult situation, as some have suggested. An anonymous source shared with Vanity Fair, “When I learned Perry’s assistant was detained, I thought, ‘But that person was carrying out their superior’s instructions… Honestly, I might have done the same thing.’ One assistant detailed the immense pressures they faced at work, and after Perry’s demise, they pondered what they would do in a similar situation. “At dinner, four of us admitted we likely would have acted similarly. Three said they wished they had set boundaries earlier,” this source added. Some assistants, however, were unambiguous about the predicament. Brian Daniel, who manages celebrity assistant positions, called it the “greatest betrayal I can imagine.

Have other assistants chimed in?

Rowena Chiu, who previously worked as Harvey Weinstein’s assistant, has openly discussed the challenging power dynamics that often exist within such roles, where assistants may feel compelled to comply with their bosses for fear of losing everything. In an op-ed for the New York Times, she wrote, “Few people have a clear perspective on the harmful dynamic that can evolve during celebrity assistance or grasp the underlying power imbalance that can manifest. I am one of those few.” Chiu worked under Weinstein for two months in 1998 and alleges that he attempted to rape her. Due to a nondisclosure agreement, she was unable to speak out until 2019. “I observed how his fame and power affected the conduct of those around him, and as his assistant, I was frequently treated as something less than human,” Chiu shared.

“Of course, there is a critical distinction between Mr. Perry, an addict, and Mr. Weinstein, a rapist. Mr. Perry wasn’t the criminal that Mr. Weinstein is, and his former employee (and others) are being charged as his enablers, not being put in the spotlight as his victims,” Chiu continued. “But when I read about Mr. Iwamasa’s indictment, I understood all too well that an assistant to a celebrity can be expected to do whatever is asked of them, regardless of ethics or legality … I’m not surprised that Mr. Iwamasa pleaded guilty. The assistant, who is usually invisible, is suddenly center stage, the last place he or she is equipped to be. Along with invisible, the assistant can also be penniless, powerless and a vulnerable target. It’s far too easy to turn the butler into the scapegoat.”

What have the accused said about the case?

Stefan Sacks, representing Dr. Plasencia, vigorously denied the accusations and asserted his client’s innocence. In an email, he stated, “The claims against Dr. Plasencia are false and a case of excessive government interference. Dr. Plasencia attended to Mr. Perry for only a brief period before ceasing treatment.” He continued, “In the following weeks, Mr. Perry obtained significant amounts of ketamine from a well-known drug dealer, known as the Ketamine Queen, which was the substance Mr. Perry used on the day of his tragic demise. Dr. Plasencia is an innocent man who was simply providing medical care to his patient.

Sangha’s legal representatives chose to remain silent after being reached out by Vulture. Her attorney, Mark Geragos, spoke to Newsweek on Wednesday, stating, “Although I applaud the US Attorney for their inventiveness in dubbing her ‘The Ketamine Queen’ in the indictment, there is no evidence to support this claim.” He added, “The coroner’s report indicates an accidental death, not a homicide. I believe the stories circulating about my client having any knowledge of Matthew Perry are unfounded and can be proven false.

2024-09-06 23:54