US prosecutors announced Thursday that five individuals, including two doctors, have been charged in connection to the tragic death of beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry. The actor, who passed away last year at his Los Angeles home after a long battle with addiction, was found to have died due to the acute effects of ketamine.

US Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong and dangerous, but they did it anyway.” The individuals charged include two doctors, one of whom, Salvador Plasencia, faces up to 120 years in federal prison, and Perry’s assistant.

Estrada emphasized that the accused prioritized profit over Perry’s well-being. “In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” he added.

Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV sitcom “Friends,” was found unresponsive in his swimming pool in October of last year at the age of 54. The news of his death caused a global wave of grief, with fans and colleagues expressing their sorrow for the loss of a talent who had touched millions.

An autopsy revealed that Perry’s death was caused by ketamine, a controlled drug he had been taking as part of supervised therapy. Though only small amounts were found in his stomach, a high level of the drug was detected in his bloodstream. Reports indicate that Perry had not undergone a supervised infusion session for several days, raising questions about how he obtained the drug. This led to a legal investigation by the Los Angeles police, who confirmed in May that they were probing the circumstances of his death.

Ketamine, often used as an anesthetic by doctors and veterinarians, is also explored for its potential in treating depression. However, it is commonly misused for its hallucinogenic effects by underground users.

Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, a sarcastic and witty New Yorker, made him a household name and endeared him to fans worldwide. Despite his success, Perry battled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, a struggle that he candidly detailed in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” The memoir revealed his numerous attempts at detox and his journey through addiction.

Perry’s sudden passing was met with heartfelt tributes from Hollywood’s elite, his co-stars, and fans of “Friends” worldwide. Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel on the show, expressed her grief by saying, “Oh boy, this one has cut deep.”

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