Matthew Perry’s Mother Speaks Out Ahead Of Assistant’s Sentencing In Ketamine Death Case

New court documents connected to the death of Matthew Perry are bringing renewed attention to the tragic final chapter of the beloved actor’s life. In an emotional victim impact statement submitted ahead of the sentencing of Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, the actor’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, shared heartbreaking details about trust, addiction, grief, and betrayal.

The newly revealed statement has generated major public attention because it offers one of the most personal and emotional perspectives yet from Perry’s family following the actor’s death in October 2023.

Matthew Perry’s Death Shocked Hollywood

Matthew Perry, best known worldwide for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the legendary sitcom Friends, was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023 at the age of 54.

Following an extensive investigation, authorities later determined that the actor died from the acute effects of ketamine.

The case quickly became one of the most closely followed celebrity investigations in recent years, especially after the Department of Justice alleged that multiple individuals were involved in illegally obtaining and distributing ketamine to Perry.

Among those charged was Perry’s longtime assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.

Suzanne Morrison Says The Family Trusted Kenneth Iwamasa

In her newly filed victim impact statement ahead of Iwamasa’s scheduled sentencing on May 27, Matthew Perry’s mother described the close relationship the family once had with the assistant.

According to Morrison, both she and her son believed Iwamasa was someone who would help protect Perry during his long and difficult battle with addiction.

“Matthew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny,” Morrison wrote in the statement.

She explained that Perry had known Iwamasa for approximately 25 years and viewed him not simply as an employee, but as someone responsible for helping him remain sober and safe.

“His Most Important Job Was To Protect My Son”

One of the most emotional sections of the statement centered around Morrison’s belief that Iwamasa failed in the responsibility Perry trusted him with most.

“Kenny’s most important job — by far — was to be my son’s companion and guardian in his fight against addiction,” she wrote.

According to Morrison, Perry’s assistant understood the severity of the actor’s struggles and allegedly knew there were numerous people willing to help if the situation became dangerous.

Instead, Morrison accused Iwamasa of helping facilitate illegal drug use rather than preventing it.

“Instead of protecting Matthew, he aided and abetted illegal drug-taking,” she stated.

The emotional statement claims that Iwamasa repeatedly injected Perry with ketamine despite having no medical training or qualifications.

The Department Of Justice’s Allegations

Federal prosecutors previously alleged that Kenneth Iwamasa repeatedly administered ketamine injections to Perry, including multiple injections on the day the actor died.

According to court documents connected to his plea agreement, Iwamasa allegedly told investigators that Perry requested a particularly strong dose shortly before his death.

Authorities claim that after administering the injections, Iwamasa briefly left the home to run errands before returning to discover Perry face down in the hot tub.

The Department of Justice later charged multiple individuals connected to the illegal ketamine distribution operation.

Five People Were Charged In Connection With Perry’s Death

The investigation into Perry’s death resulted in charges against five individuals accused of involvement in obtaining or distributing ketamine.

Among those named in the case were:

• Kenneth Iwamasa
• Jasveen Sangha
• Erik Fleming
• Dr. Salvador Plasencia
• Dr. Mark Chavez

According to prosecutors, the individuals allegedly participated in an illegal network used to acquire and distribute ketamine to Perry outside legitimate medical treatment channels.

Several defendants have already pleaded guilty to various drug-related charges.

Suzanne Morrison Describes Feeling Betrayed

One of the most painful portions of Morrison’s statement focused on her belief that Iwamasa continued trying to remain emotionally close to the family after Perry’s death.

She wrote that he contacted her frequently, sent songs, and even helped guide her around the cemetery where Perry was buried.

“He insisted on speaking at Matthew’s funeral,” Morrison stated.

She also claimed that Iwamasa appeared to monitor her reactions closely during the aftermath of Perry’s death.

“He kept a sharp eye on me,” she wrote.

The emotional statement accused the former assistant of pretending to act as someone grieving alongside the family while allegedly hiding his own role in the events leading to Perry’s death.

Matthew Perry’s Long Battle With Addiction

Throughout his life, Matthew Perry spoke openly about his struggles with addiction and recovery.

Despite becoming one of television’s biggest stars through Friends, Perry privately battled substance abuse for many years while continuing to work in Hollywood.

In interviews, memoir excerpts, and public appearances, he often described how addiction affected nearly every part of his personal and professional life.

Fans admired Perry’s honesty and vulnerability, especially because he consistently tried to help others facing similar struggles.

His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, became widely praised for its brutally honest discussion of addiction, recovery, fame, and mental health.

Sentencing Scheduled For May 27

Kenneth Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.

According to reports connected to the case, prosecutors are recommending:

• 41 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release

His sentencing is currently scheduled for May 27.

Meanwhile, the investigation surrounding Perry’s death continues to generate widespread discussion about celebrity addiction, medical accountability, and the dangers of illegal drug distribution.

Matthew Perry’s Legacy Continues To Resonate

Even years after Friends ended, Matthew Perry remained one of television’s most beloved stars.

His portrayal of Chandler Bing helped shape one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, while his humor, vulnerability, and honesty created a deep connection with audiences around the world.

For many fans, Perry’s tragic death remains especially heartbreaking because of how openly he fought for recovery and tried to help others understand addiction.

Now, as new court documents continue emerging, the emotional statements from his family are offering an even more painful look into the trust, heartbreak, and devastation surrounding the actor’s final days.