LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP)— In a dramatic turn of events following the tragic overdose death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry, a physician linked to the case has been prohibited from practicing medicine by a federal judge. On August 30, 2024, Mark Chavez, dubbed the “ketamine doctor,” agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine as part of a plea deal. The ruling came during Chavez’s court appearance at the Roybal Federal Courthouse, where he was released on a $50,000 bond.
Chavez, 54, is among five individuals facing federal charges after Perry was discovered unresponsive in the pool at his luxurious Los Angeles home in October 2023. The beloved actor had a storied past with addiction and was known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the globally acclaimed sitcom “Friends.”
A Conspiracy Unveiled
The investigation into Perry’s death revealed a disturbing network involving multiple players. Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, who allegedly resold the drug to Perry at exorbitant prices. Plasencia’s disdainful remark, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” highlighted the exploitative nature of the transactions.
The “Ketamine Queen” and Her Cohorts
Central to the conspiracy is Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen,” who supplied high-end clients, including celebrities, with the potent drug. Sangha is charged with distributing the fatal dose that led to Perry’s demise. Both Sangha and Plasencia face grave charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, among others, and have maintained their innocence. Their trials are slated for October, and they could face significant prison sentences if convicted.
Perry’s Battle with Addiction
Matthew Perry’s struggles with addiction were well-documented. He openly shared his decades-long battle with substance abuse, particularly painkillers and alcohol. Perry, who had been leveraging ketamine as part of a supervised therapeutic regimen, saw his battle take a dark turn last October.
Known for its anesthetic properties, ketamine is also explored for treating depression. However, its hallucinogenic effects have made it popular among underground users, posing severe risks, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Perry, unfortunately, became one of its victims, adding to the series of health issues he faced over the years. In 2018, he endured a drug-related burst colon and multiple surgeries, a testament to his ongoing struggle.
The Fall from Stardom
“Friends” skyrocketed Perry and his co-stars to international fame. The sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004, captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of six New Yorkers navigating the complexities of adulthood. Perry’s portrayal of the witty yet troubled Chandler Bing masked his inner turmoil, a contrast to his otherwise glamorous public persona.
In his candid 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry divulged the relentless cycle of detoxifications he endured. He confessed, “I have mostly been sober since 2001, save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps,” shedding light on the relentless grip addiction had on him despite periods of sobriety.
Conclusion
As Mark Chavez prepares to formally enter his guilty plea, the reverberations of Perry’s death continue to shake the entertainment industry and his legion of fans. Chavez’s actions—and those of his alleged co-conspirators—underscore the profound vulnerabilities celebrities face and the often dangerous intersections of fame, mental health, and substance abuse.
