Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the doctors charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, has been granted bail in a Los Angeles court. The hearing, held on Friday, saw Dr. Chavez agree to cease practicing medicine while he faces charges related to Perry’s death.
Dr. Chavez, who is among five individuals charged in the case, has expressed deep remorse through his lawyer. “My client is accepting responsibility. He’s doing everything in his power to cooperate and help in this situation,” defense attorney Matt Binninger stated.
Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, died in October 2023 at his Los Angeles home. A post-mortem examination revealed a lethal concentration of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, in his system. The medical examiner determined that the “acute effects” of the drug contributed to his death.
Federal prosecutors have uncovered a broad network involved in the distribution of ketamine, which they allege was used to exploit Perry’s substance abuse issues. The indictment details a scheme where Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and several doctors, including Dr. Chavez, were implicated in providing over $50,000 worth of ketamine to the actor.
Dr. Chavez has admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. His bail was set at $50,000, and he has been ordered to surrender his passport and refrain from practicing medicine. “Dr. Chavez is incredibly remorseful,” Binninger added.
The indictment also names Salvador Plasencia, another doctor, who allegedly provided ketamine to Perry outside of professional practice and instructed Iwamasa on unsafe administration methods. Plasencia and other co-defendants are also facing charges.
The death of Perry, ruled an accident, was attributed to ketamine toxicity, with drowning and pre-existing health conditions listed as contributing factors. The actor had a well-documented history of substance abuse and had been open about his struggles in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
