Matthew Perry's Death Set to Reveal Hollywood's Dark Drug Scene as LAPD Eyes Manslaughter Charges
Matthew Perry’s death is about to pull back the curtain on Hollywood’s seedy drug dealing underworld, potentially implicating some well-known names in the investigation into the 'Friends' star’s fatal ketamine overdose.
The LAPD, working with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Postal Inspection Service, is preparing to announce possible charges, including involuntary manslaughter. Charlie Sheen’s ex-wife, Brooke Mueller, has been questioned about her friendship with Perry but has not been accused of wrongdoing. An actress who was close to Perry and appeared on screen with him has also become entangled in the investigation.
Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing, was found dead in his jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. His death has highlighted a disturbing trend of drug rings using mail fraud to distribute prescription medication, a federal offense. Former CIA and FBI special agent Tracy Walder explained, "Intent is going to be the question. They obviously knew what they were doing was wrong, but did they actively know that by procuring this it would kill him?”
While Perry’s death is officially attributed to a ketamine overdose, the levels found in his body were consistent with those used for general anesthesia during surgery. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, but his last session was over a week before his death. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner also noted coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, as contributing factors.
Despite reports that Perry’s stepdad, Keith Morrison, is involved in the investigation, Morrison has denied any involvement, calling the claims "rubbish." Perry’s longtime assistant Kenny Iwamasa is believed to have found him in the hot tub.
Walder noted that Perry could have been swapping prescriptions with friends, creating a black market for the drugs. "He could easily have been procuring drugs through friends, ‘if you give me money I will give you my prescription,’" she said.
Marty Singer, Perry’s veteran Hollywood attorney, emphasized the need for accountability. "Anyone who was involved in the inappropriate utilization of ketamine for Matthew should be prosecuted," he told Page Six.
As the investigation unfolds, the shadowy world of Hollywood’s drug trade is coming into focus, potentially leading to serious charges and a broader reckoning for those involved in fueling Perry’s addiction.