Did Alleged ‘Ketamine Queen’ Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death Refer to Him by Code Name ‘Chandler?’

One of the suspects indicted in connection with the death of Matthew Perry allegedly referred to the actor by the name of one the characters he played on TV.

The revelation is found in the plea agreement of Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry’s who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.

Perry, who famously played Chandler on Friends, died from “acute effects” of ketamine at his home on Oct. 28, 2023, at age 54.

In the agreement, federal prosecutors allege that co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, dubbed “The Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors, referred to Perry “using a name of a well-known character that [Perry] portrayed in a television series.”

The agreement does not specify which name Sangha allegedly used for Perry, and a spokesperson for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

Fleming and Sangha are two of five defendants charged in connection with Perry’s death. While Fleming has pleaded guilty, Sangha has not.

Prosecutors accuse Sangha of having distributed the ketamine that caused Perry’s death. She faces a slew of charges related to drug distribution and could potentially face life in prison.

In his plea agreement, Fleming said he purchased ketamine from Sangha and distributed it to Kenneth Iwamasa, the Friends star’s live-in assistant who admitted to injecting Perry with the drug. Iwamasa has also pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to his role in Perry’s death.

After Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly texted Fleming, telling him: “Delete all our messages.”

Two other defendants, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez — both doctors — were also charged with ketamine distribution-related charges in connection with the actor’s death. Chavez is expected to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

At a press conference announcing the charges, United States Attorney Martin Estrada alleged that the defendants took advantage of Perry, who has long struggled with addiction.

“These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” Estrada said in a statement. “Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives over greed. This case, along with our many other prosecutions of drug-dealers who cause death, send a clear message that we will hold drug-dealers accountable for the deaths they cause.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP