Emotional Sentencing in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case

LOS ANGELES : The emotional fallout of Matthew Perry’s death resonated in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday, where a doctor who illegally sold the actor ketamine was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in federal prison.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, was the first defendant to face sentencing in connection with the death of the beloved “Friends” star, who died at age 54 in 2023 following years of highly publicized addiction struggles.

Perry’s family addressed the court directly, offering tearful victim impact statements. “The world mourns my brother,” said Perry’s half-sister, Madeleine Morrison, encapsulating the public grief for the actor best known globally as the witty Chandler Bing.

Perry had legally been receiving ketamine as a medical treatment for depression. However, his long-time struggle with addiction led him to seek larger, unregulated quantities, eventually turning to Dr. Plasencia. The doctor admitted to exploiting Perry’s vulnerability, even describing the actor as a “moron” who could be financially exploited in a text to another physician.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett acknowledged the devastating context of Perry’s addiction, telling Plasencia, “You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit,” and stating that he and others helped guide Perry toward his tragic end.

The doctor’s attorneys described his actions as “reckless” and a massive personal failure, arguing that he was a dedicated physician who was ultimately led astray. However, the judge handed down a sentence close to the three years requested by prosecutors.

Matthew Perry became one of the biggest stars of his generation, starring alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer during the 10 seasons of NBC’s megahit sitcom from 1994 to 2004. His long battle with substance abuse, which began during his time on the show, became a crucial part of his later life and legacy.

Dr. Plasencia was immediately taken into custody. Four other defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case will face sentencing hearings in the coming months.