Two and a half years after the death of Matthew Perry, a former Hollywood producer involved in the distribution of the drugs that killed the star of “Friends” was sentenced to two years in prison by a Los Angeles court on Wednesday. Erik Fleming, 55, will also be subject to judicial supervision for three years after his release from prison.
He pleaded guilty to acting as an intermediary by buying 50 vials of ketamine from a trafficker, to give to the star’s personal assistant, who would inject the drug. The prosecution had requested two and a half years of imprisonment for him.
The death of Matthew Perry, found unconscious in his jacuzzi in October 2023, shocked fans of “Friends” and led to an outpouring of tributes in Hollywood. The 54-year-old actor, who played the role of Chandler Bing in the successful series, had publicly discussed his addiction problems. He was taking ketamine under supervision as part of therapy sessions for depression. However, this legal anesthetic is sometimes used for stimulating or euphoric purposes, and Matthew Perry had relapsed into addiction in the fall of 2023, according to the investigation.
Erik Fleming was an acquaintance of Matthew Perry, who had some success in Hollywood in the early 2000s. He notably produced the reality show “The Surreal Life” and directed the film “My Brother the Pig,” starring Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes.
The investigation revealed that he was obtaining drugs from Jasveen Sangha, a known trafficker in certain circles as the “queen of ketamine.” This American-British socialite sold him the vials that were fatal to Matthew Perry, and she received a 15-year prison sentence in April. “Erase all our messages,” she ordered the intermediary via SMS when she learned of the star’s death.
Context: The article discusses the legal consequences faced by a former Hollywood producer involved in the drug distribution that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry.
Fact Check: The content accurately reports the court sentencing and details surrounding the drug distribution incident.
