Tragic circumstances surrounding the death of beloved actor Matthew Perry have taken a shocking turn. The actor’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has been arrested in connection with a drug investigation, leaving Perry’s friends and family stunned and heartbroken.
A source close to the actor revealed that Perry’s inner circle was blindsided by Iwamasa’s arrest, stating, “Matthew kept secrets. I wouldn’t be shocked if Kenny was the only one who knew how bad it really was.”
Iwamasa began working for Perry in June 2022, after previously working for the actor’s manager, producer Doug Chapin. According to the insider, Iwamasa was brought in to help manage Perry’s chaotic life, as the actor struggled with sobriety. “When he was brought on, it was already chaotic. Matthew wasn’t actually sober. He had been going in and out of sobriety. And multiple people were helping to take care of him.”
The source described Iwamasa as a trusted member of Perry’s team, saying, “Kenny presented himself to be a decent person.” Iwamasa’s LinkedIn profile highlights his ability to thrive in chaotic situations and his commitment to absolute confidentiality.
In May, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation into Perry’s death, focusing on how the actor obtained the ketamine found in his system. The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals, including Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha, and Dr. Mark Chavez.
Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, admitting to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training. Chavez and Fleming also pleaded guilty to related charges.
The indictment alleges that Plasencia learned of Perry’s interest in obtaining ketamine in September 2023 and contacted Chavez to obtain the drug. Plasencia then distributed ketamine to Perry and Iwamasa on at least seven occasions without a legitimate medical purpose.
In a statement, United States Attorney Martin Estrada condemned the actions of the defendants, saying, “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being. Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives over greed.”
