Matthew Perry, a former 'Friends' star, appears at the 'Friends' reunion; medical professional admits guilt in court - Medical professional acknowledges guilt in court hearing
In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, known as "Dr. P." to Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to distributing ketamine that contributed to the actor's accidental overdose and death in October 2023.
Perry, famously known for his role as Chandler Bing in the 1990s TV series "Friends," was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home's hot tub at the end of October 2023. The medical examiner’s report cited the "acute effects of ketamine," along with drowning and other health factors, as the cause of death.
Dr. Plasencia, who supplied multiple doses of ketamine to Perry without legitimate medical justification, admitted to distributing four vials of liquid ketamine and ketamine lozenges. He personally injected Perry with ketamine and left at least one vial with Perry’s personal assistant.
The plea was part of a high-profile federal investigation involving several defendants, including a woman called the "Ketamine Queen," accused of dealing ketamine, and other cooperating doctors. The prosecution accused the defendants of exploiting Perry’s addiction struggles for financial gain.
Dr. Plasencia faces up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines, though actual sentencing is expected to be less severe. He has agreed to surrender his medical license voluntarily and the sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Another defendant, Jasveen Sangha, also known as the "Ketamine Queen," pleaded not guilty to the allegations. If convicted, she faces life imprisonment. However, it's important to note that her alleged involvement does not concern the initial court case against Dr. Plasencia.
Interestingly, a second doctor, Mark Chavez, had already pleaded guilty last October, but there is no verified information linking him directly to Perry's 2023 death.
Perry had legally started taking Ketamine during a depression therapy. In his autobiography published in 2022, he wrote about struggling with drug and alcohol addiction for years. In 2018, he suffered a bowel rupture due to drug abuse and had several operations. Despite these struggles, Perry stated he was largely clean since 2001, except for about 60 or 70 minor relapses.
As the court prepares to announce its verdict against Dr. Plasencia on December 3, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the role of unscrupulous individuals who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
- In the context of Matthew Perry's struggle with addiction, the importance of mental health, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments, such as ketamine therapy, comes to the forefront.
- Despite Perry's success as a Friends actor, his battles with substance abuse, including ketamine, highlight the need for better awareness and policies regarding science and nutrition in mental health.
- The high-profile case against Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who provided ketamine to Perry, underscores the importance of scrutinizing the medical field for unethical practices, particularly in the context of celebrity patients and associated vulnerabilities.