Slash's Former Spouse Appeals for Mercy in 'Ketamine Queen' Sentencing
Perla Hudson, the ex-wife of legendary Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, has formally requested judicial leniency for convicted drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' who was implicated in the fatal 2023 overdose of Friends star Matthew Perry. In court documents reviewed by TMZ, Hudson passionately argued that Sangha poses no threat to society and deserves compassion during her upcoming sentencing hearing.
Character References Highlight Personal Virtues
Hudson, who was married to the rock icon from 2001 until 2015, penned a detailed letter to the Los Angeles court describing Sangha as 'filled with compassion and very empathic and selfless.' She portrayed the convicted dealer as essentially a good person who found herself entangled in unfortunate circumstances, stating that Sangha 'wasn't there to take, only to give' during Hudson's own difficult periods, including her divorce from Slash.
The character reference further depicted Sangha as both 'a little sister to her and like a fairy godmother to her sons,' emphasizing personal relationships over criminal actions. Hudson highlighted Sangha's religious devotion, noting she is a 'devout Sikh woman' whose daily prayers have cultivated 'a sense of humility and compassion' that informs all her interactions.
Prosecution Presents Contrasting Narrative
Federal prosecutors have painted a dramatically different picture in their sentencing memorandum, reviewed by ABC News. They argue Sangha exhibited 'cold callousness and disregard for life' throughout her drug dealing activities, which included supplying ketamine to multiple individuals who subsequently overdosed.
Prosecutors revealed that Sangha admitted to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury, who fatally overdosed in August 2019—approximately four years before Perry's death. 'She didn't care and kept selling,' prosecutors asserted, adding that Sangha 'chose profits over people, and her actions have caused immense pain to the victims' families and loved ones.'
Legal Consequences and Case Background
Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges connected to Perry's death, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Prosecutors have recommended a 15-year custodial sentence, while the statutory maximum reaches 20 years for the most serious charges.
United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli confirmed that a sentencing hearing is expected in the coming months. Sangha faces up to 10 years for each ketamine distribution count and up to 15 years for the distribution resulting in death charge.
Evidence and Additional Defendants
During a March 2023 search of Sangha's North Hollywood residence, law enforcement discovered substantial drug quantities including 1.7 kilograms of pressed methamphetamine pills, 79 vials of liquid ketamine, MDMA tablets, counterfeit Xanax pills, powdered ketamine, cocaine, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Sangha is one of five individuals arrested following the federal investigation into how Perry obtained the drugs that caused his death. Other defendants include Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution in June 2025, along with Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and acquaintance Erik Fleming, all of whom have entered guilty pleas.
Matthew Perry's Tragic Death
The beloved actor was discovered deceased in his jacuzzi on October 29, 2023, sending shockwaves through Hollywood. Perry had been publicly open about his lifelong struggles with substance abuse, hoping his transparency would deter others from similar paths. The medical examiner later determined the cause of death as 'acute effects of ketamine.'
In her legal filings, Sangha claims to have transformed her life since her 2024 arrest, maintaining two years of sobriety as of March 19, 2026, and significantly addressing her own substance use issues. This personal rehabilitation forms part of her argument for a reduced sentence, supported by character testimonials from friends and relatives emphasizing her virtues and lack of prior criminal record.
