Kenneth Iwamasa, Matthew Perry's personal assistant, faces sentencing after pleading guilty to injecting the actor with ketamine that caused his October 2023 death. Court documents show Perry asked for the drug before losing consciousness in his Los Angeles hot tub.

Perry's family condemned Iwamasa's actions as a betrayal, with his mother calling him a man without conscience. Prosecutors seek 41 months in prison for the 61-year-old assistant who knew Perry since 1992. Former U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated the assistant's duty was to help Perry, not harm him.

The case has sparked debate about power dynamics in celebrity personal assistant roles. These positions, often accessed through informal networks, can pay $150,000 to $300,000 annually though most earn under $50,000. Assistants frequently work 24/7 as therapists, confidants, and emergency troubleshooters.

Unlike corporate environments, Hollywood assistants lack unions or formal structures to set boundaries. Non-disclosure agreements often prevent misconduct disclosure beyond litigation. Similar lawsuits have emerged involving other celebrities, highlighting systemic issues in an industry where loyalty and discretion are prized above employee protections.