Celebrity Assistants Exist to Indulge Their Bosses, but When Does Duty Cross a Line?
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Matthew Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, provided him with ketamine at Perry's request shortly before the actor's death on October 28, 2023, according to court documents.
- Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, with prosecutors seeking a 41-month prison sentence; sentencing is expected soon.
- Perry's family has expressed strong condemnation of Iwamasa, calling his actions a betrayal and blaming him for the actor’s death.
- Former U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and industry insiders have criticized Iwamasa’s conduct, emphasizing that his behavior was a serious breach of trust and an outlier in the personal assistant profession.
- The case has sparked discussion about the power dynamics between celebrities and their assistants, highlighting risks faced by those working closely with influential figures.