UPDATE: A doctor has just been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for illegally selling ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his tragic overdose death. The sentencing took place in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett delivered a powerful statement about the dangers of addiction and exploitation.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, received the sentence along with two years of probation. The judge highlighted that while Plasencia did not provide the specific dose that led to Perry’s death, he played a significant role in fueling the actor’s addiction. “You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit,” Garnett stated, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
Tensions ran high in the courtroom as Plasencia was led away in handcuffs, with his mother visibly distressed in the audience. Perry’s family, including his mother, stepmother, and two half-sisters, shared emotional victim impact statements. Sister Madeline Morrison expressed deep sorrow, stating, “My brother’s death turned my world upside down. His absence is everywhere.” She urged the public to remember that celebrities are human beings, not commodities to be exploited.
Plasencia was the first among five defendants to be sentenced in connection with Perry’s death, which occurred at the age of 54 in July 2023. He had admitted to knowingly selling ketamine to Perry, who was struggling with addiction. Court documents revealed that Plasencia had referred to Perry as a “moron” in text messages, further showcasing his disregard for the actor’s well-being.
Prosecutors had recommended a three-year sentence, while the defense argued for just a day in jail. The judge ultimately imposed a sentence that exceeded the probation report’s suggestion of 8 to 14 months. “I think the judge was very well-reasoned,” said Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, after the hearing.
During the proceedings, Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, recalled her son’s resilience, saying, “I used to think he couldn’t die.” She addressed Plasencia directly, asserting, “There is nothing moronic about that man. He was even a successful drug addict.” Her heartfelt remarks underscored the human cost of addiction and exploitation.
In a moment of remorse, Plasencia expressed regret, stating he wished he had protected Perry. “It hurts me so much. I can’t believe I’m here,” he said, tearfully addressing the impact of his actions on Perry’s family and his own young son.
The legal repercussions continue, as other defendants involved in the case face sentencing in the coming months. Judge Garnett indicated a desire for consistent sentencing across all cases tied to Perry’s tragic death. She reiterated that while no identifiable victim exists in a legal sense, the broader public is indeed affected.
Perry’s battle with addiction was well-documented, dating back to his time on “Friends,” where he became a household name as Chandler Bing alongside stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox. His untimely passing has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of healthcare providers and the dangers of addiction.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those in the public eye and the urgent need for compassion and accountability in the medical community.
Stay tuned for updates on the remaining defendants and their sentencing outcomes.
