A physician who illegally supplied the actor Matthew Perry with ketamine in the lead-up to his fatal overdose has been handed a prison sentence, marking a significant development in the case that shocked fans worldwide.
Exploitation of an Addiction
Dr Salvador Plasencia, aged 44, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to providing the controlled substance to the beloved Friends star. The sentencing took place at a federal court in Los Angeles on 3 December 2025.
While Perry was legally prescribed ketamine as a treatment for depression, court documents revealed he turned to Plasencia when his regular physician refused to increase his dosage. Plasencia admitted he knew Perry was battling addiction but sold him the drug regardless. In a damning text message to another doctor, he referred to Perry as a "moron" who could be exploited for financial gain.
A Tragic End and a Courtroom Reckoning
Matthew Perry, famed for his role as Chandler Bing, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in 2023 at the age of 54. The medical examiner concluded that ketamine was the primary cause of death. The judge presiding over Plasencia's case was clear that while the doctor did not provide the exact dose that killed Perry, his actions were culpable.
"You and others helped Mr. Perry on the road to such an ending by continuing to feed his ketamine addiction," the judge stated. "You exploited Mr Perry's addiction for your own profit." Following the verdict, Plasencia was led from the courtroom in handcuffs as his mother wept in the audience.
Victim Impact and Legal Fallout
Perry's mother and two half-sisters attended the emotional hearing. His half-sister, Madeleine Morrison, delivered a tearful victim impact statement, telling the court, "The world mourns my brother. He was everyone’s favourite friend."
Plasencia's defence team painted a sympathetic picture of a doctor who overcame poverty and was valued by his patients. They characterised his dealings with Perry as "reckless" and "the biggest mistake of his life."
Dr Salvador Plasencia is the first of five defendants who have pleaded guilty in connection with Perry's death to be sentenced. The remaining four individuals are scheduled to face their own sentencing hearings in the coming months.
