Who is Dr. Salvador Plasencia? Matthew Perry’s doctor finds himself embroiled in the ketamine scandal

Matthew Perry, the popular actor known for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom friendshipdied on 28 October 2023, aged 54. He was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his residence in Pacific Palisades, California.

The final results of an autopsy concluded that his death was primarily due to the acute effects of a powerful anesthetic called ketamine, combined with drowning and coronary artery disease. Although Perry had been sober for 19 months when he died, he was taking ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. The levels found in his system were dangerously high and did not match the last treatment a week or so before.

Matthew Perry’s death has shocked Hollywood and his fan base, with an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Many remember him for his unique comedic talent, but also for speaking out about his addiction problems, which he spoke about in his memoir called Friends, lovers and the big terrible thing.

A law enforcement investigation subsequently ensued, leading to the arrest of five other people on various charges of selling ketamine. Among those arrested in connection with the scandal are Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Dr. Cali Estes, Liana Moleton, Taryn Lane and Kimberly Burnett.

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Who is Salvador Plasencia, one of Matthew Perry’s doctors?

A 42-year-old doctor from Santa Monica, California, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, is now embroiled in controversy amid the allegations, which emerged following the tragic news of actor Matthew Perry’s death.

Sometimes known as “Dr. P,” Plasencia was charged with multiple felonies related to the sale of ketamine associated with Perry’s accidental overdose. According to authorities, Plasencia sold Perry approximately 20 vials of ketamine for nearly $55,000 in cash.

An investigation into Plasencia was opened when Perry was found dead floating in the hot tub on October 28, 2023, with extremely high levels of ketamine in his system.

Investigators say Plasencia not only gave Perry the drug, but also instructed his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on how to administer it.

This raises serious ethical questions about his medical practice, as Iwamasa was not fully trained in medicine. Faced with conspiracy to sell ketamine and filing false medical records charges, Plasencia pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail.

His attorney said Plasencia genuinely believed she was doing what was medically best for Matthew Perry, even though some evidence might indicate otherwise.

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Who Is Matthew Perry’s Assistant Kenneth Iwamasa?

Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, was Perry’s personal assistant. Iwamasa was not only Matthew Perry’s day-to-day business manager, but also had Hollywood experience, with a nine-year stint as assistant to actress Angela Bassett.

He studied photography through environmental design while simultaneously pursuing a major in cinematography and film production at Columbia College Hollywood. Following the tragic death of Matthew Perry from an apparent ketamine overdose on October 28, 2023, Iwamasa was embroiled in a major legal scandal.

He faces a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine because he testified that he used to inject the victim with the drug several times, including on the day she died.

The final indictment alleged that he participated in a coded conversation to purchase the substance from other co-defendants, claiming it was the language of drug dealers.

He won nothing since he was not an expert in the medical field of injecting controlled substances. Iwamasa discovered Perry and then alerted the police when he saw the star unresponsive. He already reached a plea deal to get a 15-year sentence on one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.

His actions have raised questions as the case reflects disruptive behavior on the part of a professional or what society would consider the role of an individual assistant in relation to the welfare of the client/patient.

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It opened up a lot of difficult questions about the medical practices surrounding the drug and its consequences for mental health treatment.

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Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates on the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death.