A San Diego doctor has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Los Angeles in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, marking him as the third individual to admit culpability in the high-profile case.
The plea deal, entered on Wednesday, allows Dr. Chavez to remain free on bond until his sentencing. Under the agreement, Chavez has surrendered his passport and agreed to relinquish his medical license, along with other stipulations. This comes as part of a deal offered by prosecutors to reduce charges against Chavez and two other defendants in exchange for their cooperation in pursuing the primary targets in the investigation—another doctor and an alleged drug dealer reportedly known as the “ketamine queen” of Los Angeles.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Perry’s death was attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine.” The case has drawn significant public attention due to Perry’s fame and the shock his death caused around the world.
The investigation and ongoing legal proceedings have highlighted broader issues of prescription drug abuse and the illegal distribution of controlled substances within the entertainment industry. Authorities are particularly focused on holding those who supplied Perry with drugs accountable, and they hope the cooperation of Chavez and others who have pleaded guilty will be key in building the case against the primary targets.
As the case moves forward, the prosecution aims to address not only the specifics of Perry’s death but also to bring attention to the dangers of prescription abuse and the responsibility of medical professionals and suppliers in fueling the ongoing crisis of drug misuse in Hollywood and beyond.
