Matthew Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, told a judge he could not “simply say no” to the late actor during his struggles with drug addiction.
Iwamasa made the statement while seeking a lighter sentence ahead of his sentencing hearing on May 27, according to TMZ.
In newly filed court documents obtained by the outlet Friday, Iwamasa pushed back against prosecutors’ claims that he could have refused Perry’s requests for ketamine — the drug that ultimately led to the actor’s death in October 2023.
Matthew Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa (pictured left in February 2023), claimed he could not “simply say no” to the late actor amid his struggles
Iwamasa made the argument while appealing to a judge for leniency ahead of his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 27.
In the court filings, Iwamasa acknowledged that the dynamic between him and Perry “had tragic consequences.”
He argued that, as an employee of the “Friends” star, he “acted at all relevant times at [Perry’s] direction rather than pursuant to his own discretion.”
His attorney further contended that Iwamasa’s working relationship with Perry may have “enabled him to more readily participate in the conspiracy to distribute drugs to the victim than a man on the street,” but noted that “a number of proverbial men on the street did in fact participate in the same conspiracy.”
While working for the “Friends” star (seen above in November 2022), Iwamasa said he “acted at all relevant times at [Perry’s] direction rather than pursuant to his own discretion.”
Iwamasa also contended that claims he could have refused Perry ignore “his particular vulnerability to the relationship dynamic which he fell into with the victim.”
His plea comes just days after Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, criticized his conduct at her son’s funeral.
On Wednesday, the 82-year-old submitted and read an emotional victim impact statement at Iwamasa’s sentencing for his role in helping supply the lethal dose of ketamine.
Iwamasa’s lawyer argued that the “rhetoric” suggesting his client could have simply told Perry (seen above in April 2023) “no” ignores the “particular vulnerability” tied to their working relationship.
In a letter included in court documents obtained by Page Six, she wrote, “He insisted on speaking at Matthew’s funeral,” adding, “He clung to me and the family as if he was somehow the good guy who tried to save Matthew.”
Suzanne also alleged that after Iwamasa “killed” her son, he “kept a sharp eye on” her.
She said she and her family “trusted a man without a conscience,” adding that Matthew “paid the price.”
According to Suzanne, Iwamasa “aided and abetted” her son’s addiction rather than protecting him.
“We trusted Kenny. Kenny’s most important job — by far — was to be my son’s companion and guardian in his fight against addiction,” she said emotionally.
“He had known Kenny, and so had we, for 25 years,” she added. “Matthew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny. Kenny’s most important job — by far — was to be my son’s companion and guardian in his fight against addiction.”
She alleged that instead of protecting Matthew, Iwamasa “aided and abetted” his addiction.
Matthew, who had openly struggled with addiction for decades, was found dead in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
A coroner later determined that the “Fools Rush In” actor died from “acute effects of ketamine.”
The “17 Again” actor (pictured with Lisa Kudrow in 2005) was found dead in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
A coroner later determined he died from “acute effects of ketamine.”
Matthew Perry’s death certificate also listed drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors.
In 2024, federal prosecutors charged five people with conspiracy and distribution of ketamine in connection with the death of Matthew Perry.
Iwamasa, drug counselor Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez all pleaded guilty to the charges.
