Matthew Perry's former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was recently sentenced to three years in jail for supplying the 'Friends' star with ketamine. The sentencing hearing took place in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Perry's family members were present. Suzanne Morrison, the late actor's mother, and Keith Morrison, his stepfather, were photographed outside the courthouse before the proceedings.
Details of the Sentencing
According to reports, Kenneth Iwamasa received a three-year prison sentence for his role in providing Matthew Perry with ketamine. Additionally, he was fined USD 10,000 and ordered to serve a two-year probation period. The 60-year-old former assistant had pleaded guilty during the investigation. Both Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison attended the official sentencing.
During the hearing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett addressed Iwamasa, stating, "You knew about his struggle with addiction. Your actions were reckless, not just on the day he died but in the days before. There is no hard evidence that you acted with malicious intent, though some would disagree."
Arguments and Judge's Remarks
Iwamasa's legal team had earlier argued for a six-month sentence combined with six months of home confinement. They contended that Iwamasa was merely following orders and was not in a position to refuse. However, the presiding judge countered that he could have said no. Notably, Iwamasa was the last person to see Perry alive and also discovered him at his home.
Iwamasa's Apology
After the sentencing was finalized, Iwamasa stood and expressed remorse for his actions that contributed to Perry's death. He stated during the hearing, "I'm so sorry to all of you. You all know how much Matthew loved you. I'm so sorry to have done illegal acts. I will forever regret it and I will take it to my grave and be a cautionary tale and make better choices than I did. I'm horribly, horribly sorry and I offer my condolences to you."
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction and the serious consequences of enabling such behavior. The entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023.
