Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, has expressed profound grief and anger ahead of the sentencing of Kenneth Iwamasa, the actor's former assistant, who pleaded guilty in connection with Perry's death. In a letter to the court, Morrison stated that she and her son 'trusted a man without a conscience.'
Background of the Case
Iwamasa was the first of five individuals implicated in the death of the Friends star to reach a plea deal with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and agreed to cooperate as a key witness against the others. Consequently, he will be the last of the five to be sentenced, with his hearing scheduled for 27 May.
Mother's Heartbreaking Letter
Morrison's letter, obtained by the Daily Mail, reveals her initial relief when Iwamasa was hired, believing he understood Perry's battle with addiction. She wrote, 'Matthew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny.' She emphasized that Iwamasa's primary role was to be a 'companion and guardian' in Perry's fight against addiction, ensuring he remained drug-free.
Morrison noted that Iwamasa could have refused Perry's requests for drugs without fear of losing his job, as many loved ones would have stepped in to help. She criticized him for repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine, stating, 'He did it even though anyone could have seen it was so obviously dangerous. And he did it again and again and again.'
She also described how Iwamasa 'clung' to her after Perry's death, calling her whenever he saw a rainbow—one of Perry's favorite things—and insisting on speaking at the funeral, acting as though he was 'the good guy who tried to save' her son. She concluded, 'We trusted a man without a conscience and my son paid the price.'
Other Letters and Impact
In other letters, Morrison recounted the traumatic moment she saw Perry's body for the first time, with helicopters circling to take pictures. The next day at the morgue, she said he 'looked almost beautiful' and 'somehow relieved' after his long addiction struggle.
Perry's half-sister, Madeline Morrison, also submitted a letter expressing the 'betrayal' she felt from Iwamasa, noting that his lies forced her to 'relive' her brother's death.
Sentencing of Other Defendants
Iwamasa is one of five people charged in connection with Perry's death. Jasveen Sangha received a 15-year prison sentence for distributing ketamine resulting in death. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to two and a half years for unlawfully prescribing ketamine. Erik Fleming received two years for distributing ketamine, and Mark Chavez was sentenced to eight months of home confinement for providing ketamine doses.
For confidential advice about drugs and addiction, contact Frank at 0300 123 6600 or visit the NHS website for help.
