Matthew Perry's Doctor Pleads 'Guilty' To Selling Him Ketamine Weeks Before His Death, 'Failed To..'

Matthew Perry, who made us smile and laugh with his quick-witted and loveable role as 'Chandler Bing' in Friends, left a memorable mark on Television. His charm, humour and endearing smile made him gain a loyal fan following, which left them in shock after the actor tragically passed away in 2023. However, later news emerged that Matthew died due to 'acute effects of ketamine', which shook the entertainment industry. Months after the incident, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the five people booked in connection with the case, pleaded guilty.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia surrenders his medical license after failing to protect Matthew Perry

Dr. Salvador Plasencia is one of the five people charged with their connection in Matthew Perry's death. He pleaded guilty in the case after his arrest in August 2024. The 43-year-old appeared in a court in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Standing next to his lawyer, he accepted being guilty of four counts of ketamine distribution before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. As per the court documents, Dr. Salvador gave 20 doses of ketamine, lozenges, and syringes, which began just a month before his tragic demise. 

While the doctor only gave answers to the Judge's questions, he was asked if he and his legal team had thought about everything, in turn, he agreed. Prosecutors revealed The Ron Clark Story actor was trying to get high doses of the drug after he got legal off-label ketamine for his depression. When Matthew's private doctor refused, he turned towards others, including Dr. Salvador. Sharing a statement at the end, his lawyer, Debra stated:

"Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry. He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution. Dr. Plasencia intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license, acknowledging his failure to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction."

It is important to note that Dr. Salvador was not the only one who sold the risky drug to Matthew Perry. But he accepted that he continued his plan even though a previous injection caused the Friends actor to freeze up and experience an increase in blood pressure. Rather, he had given supplies to Matthew's assistant for the actor. For those unaware, in exchange for admitting guilty, the prosecutor agreed that they would remove the extra charges, like giving three counts of Ketamine and two counts of falsifying records. The doctor can receive fewer years of prison, which otherwise goes up to 40 years, which will be decided in a hearing on December 3, 2025 although he is out on bond.

When did Mathew Perry die? 

Matthew Perry was found unresponsive by his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, in a hot tub at his home in Pacific Palisades on October 28, 2025. Later, an autopsy report by the medical examiner revealed that the actor died from the 'acute effects' of ketamine. Matthew, who had been struggling with addiction for several years, reportedly used the drug to tackle his depression and anxiety. 

What do you think about doctor Salvador Plasencia pleading 'guilty in Matthew Perry death case?

Next Read: Who Is Harry Charles? Olympic Equestrian Gold-Medalist, Set To Marry Steve Job's Daughter, Eve Jobs

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)