Los Angeles, CA – John and Debbie Perry, the parents of late actor Matthew Perry, have issued a scathing statement asserting that Dr. Michael Plasencia, who is set to be sentenced today, is “among the most culpable” for their son’s death. The statement comes as Plasencia faces a potential three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to illegally providing Perry with ketamine.
The case centers on the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death in October 2023, ruled an accidental drowning with the effects of ketamine as a contributing factor. Plasencia, a doctor, admitted to prescribing ketamine to Perry outside of legitimate medical practice. This sentencing marks the first in a series of cases involving individuals charged in connection with the actor’s death, drawing attention to the role of prescription drug access in the tragedy.
In a direct address to Plasencia, the Perrys’ statement reads, “You don’t deserve to hear our feelings. How you devastated our family contributing to the loss of Matthew, our only son.” They described their son as a “warm, loving man” and emphasized that his recovery depended on Plasencia “saying NO.” The parents questioned Plasencia’s motives, asking, “A doctor whose life is devoted to helping people? How long did you possibly see supplying matthew countless doses without his death to eventually follow? did you care? Did you think?”
Prosecutors are requesting Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett impose a three-year prison sentence, and the Perrys have urged the court to extend the sentence beyond the mandatory minimum. Plasencia’s legal team has countered that their client, who rose from poverty to become a respected doctor, acted “recklessly” but with no malicious intent, calling it “the biggest mistake of his life.” They argue that Plasencia has already lost his medical license and career and that further punishment is unnecessary.
Four other individuals – Jasveen Sangha (known as ”the Ketamine Queen”), Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Erik Fleming – have also accepted plea deals and await sentencing in the coming months. The cases collectively highlight the dangers of illicit drug access and the complexities surrounding addiction and recovery in the entertainment industry.
