A doctor in California has admitted to illegally administering ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry before the actor’s sudden death in 2023.

 

Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of the drug in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday. He is one of five people charged in connection with Perry’s untimely death.

 

According to the autopsy report, Matthew Perry died from the “acute effects” of ketamine, which caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub.

 

Plasencia, 43, now faces up to 40 years in prison. He will stay out on bond until his sentencing, which is set for December 3. His lawyer said the doctor plans to give up his medical license within 45 days.

 

In court, Plasencia appeared emotional, looking down and wiping his face with tissues. He quietly answered, “Yes, your honour,” when the judge asked him questions about what he had done in the weeks before Perry's death.

 

Plasencia admitted that he gave Matthew Perry ketamine even though it wasn’t for any real medical reason. He injected the drug at Perry’s home and even in a parked car.

 

Ketamine is sometimes used to treat depression and anxiety, but it can also be misused and is known for its hallucinogenic effects.

 

Plasencia got the ketamine from another doctor named Mark Chavez, who has also pleaded guilty. In a text to Chavez, Plasencia mocked the actor, writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

 

Plasencia’s lawyers said he is “profoundly remorseful” and is “fully accepting responsibility” for what happened.

 

In a written statement, his attorneys said, “He hopes his case serves as a warning to other medical professionals and leads to stricter oversight and clear protocols for the rapidly growing at-home ketamine industry to prevent future tragedies like this one.”

 

Three other people have pleaded guilty in the case but have not yet been sentenced.

 

The fifth person charged, Jasveen Sangha, was reportedly known as the “ketamine queen.” She is accused of supplying the dose that killed Perry. She has pleaded not guilty and will go on trial in August.

 

Matthew Perry, who became famous for playing Chandler Bing on the hit show Friends, had been open about his long struggle with drug and alcohol addiction over the years.