Matthew Perry’s Stepfather Keith Morrison Speaks Out After Assistant Is Sentenced in Late Actor’s Tragic Death

In a heartbreaking twist in the investigation surrounding the untimely death of Matthew Perry, the late actor’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison. The ruling comes following his guilty plea for conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic linked to Perry’s fatal overdose. This incident has sparked significant backlash from Perry’s family, particularly his stepfather, Keith Morrison.

Morrison, the prominent ‘Dateline’ correspondent, was visibly distraught as he addressed the media outside a federal courthouse in Los Angeles on 27 May. After the sentencing was announced, he expressed an emotional response, stating, “To say I’m angry is an understatement.” His words reflected not only a sense of justice being served but also a deep-rooted pain about the circumstances that led to Perry’s death.

In his statements, Morrison emphasised Iwamasa’s responsibility in enabling Perry’s struggles with substance abuse shortly before his tragic passing. “What happens if Matthew gets into any trouble with drugs at all? You call,” Morrison asserted. Instead, he accused Iwamasa of wielding control over Perry through the use of ketamine, suggesting a troubling dynamic in their relationship.

The sadness stemming from Perry’s death is palpable among his family. Morrison shared the ongoing grief that still plagues them, stating, “He’s still lying in a box in the cemetery and it still makes us sad every day. His mother is truly broken.” The weight of loss hangs heavily over them, even as they seek a measure of accountability for Iwamasa’s actions.

During the proceedings, Iwamasa admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine on multiple occasions leading up to his death, including three times on the fateful day of 28 October 2023. Court documents revealed that Perry had asked Iwamasa for a hefty dose on that day, illustrating the desperate plea for the substance that would ultimately contribute to his demise. After attending to errands, Iwamasa returned to find Perry dead in his jacuzzi, marking the end of a life that was both extraordinary and mired in personal turmoil.

In court, Iwamasa offered his apologies to Perry’s family, including Morrison and his mother, Suzanne. “I’m so sorry to all of you. You all know how much Matthew loved you,” he said, acknowledging his illegal actions and expressing profound regret. “I will forever regret it and I will take it to my grave,” he promised, recognising the pain caused by his choices.

Iwamasa was one of several individuals charged in relation to Perry’s death. Others included Jasveen Sangha, referred to as the “Ketamine Queen” by federal prosecutors, who received a 15-year prison sentence after admitting to multiple drug distribution charges. Erik Fleming, who supplied Iwamasa, was sentenced to two years for his role. Two doctors involved in the case also faced legal repercussions, with varying sentences for their part in the distribution of ketamine.

The outcome of this case serves as a stark reminder of the tragic intersection of addiction and enabling behaviour. As high-profile cases like Perry’s highlight the complex realities surrounding substance abuse, they also underscore the need for continued conversation and support for those grappling with addiction.

The Morrison family, alongside many who knew and loved Perry, continue to navigate their grief while calling for accountability. The combined sentences of those involved paint a picture of a systemic issue intertwined with personal loss, one that reverberates within the entertainment industry and beyond.

For anyone struggling with substance abuse, support is available. Resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline, can provide much-needed assistance at 1-800-662-HELP.