Matthew Perry’s Assistant Accused in Court
Matthew Perry’s long-time business advisor, Lisa Ferguson, has strongly criticized his former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, before Iwamasa’s sentencing related to Perry’s death. Ferguson accused Iwamasa of neglecting Perry, taking photos during his funeral, and stealing personal items.
Ferguson, who has been managing Perry’s business for 25 years and is the executor of his estate, confronted Iwamasa directly in court. This confrontation took place after the judge permitted her to address the assistant. Tensions flared when Ferguson accused Iwamasa of giving Perry a fatal dose of ketamine, which led to his tragic passing in the bathtub on October 28, 2023. “I think you knew he was dead, and you just left him there,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
She further claimed that Iwamasa called a celebrity news site before reaching out to emergency services, suggesting he was more interested in publicity than in helping. “You wanted to be a celebrity,” she accused.
During Ferguson’s recounting of Perry’s funeral, Iwamasa appeared to take notes, seemingly unfazed. She remarked, “You took a photo while we buried Matthew.” Ferguson also raised concerns about the disappearance of Perry’s valuable Batman collection from his home after his passing, saying, “The collection wasn’t there.” She speculated that Iwamasa may have taken it along with Perry’s “Alfred” business card, noted for its affectionate connection to Batman’s butler.
Iwamasa, who was referred to as “Alfred” by Perry, was sentenced to three years and five months for his role in the overdose. He is set to start his sentence on July 17.
Outside the court, Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, expressed belief that Iwamasa was to blame for Perry’s death, stating, “With that much ketamine in his system, I don’t know what other conclusion you can draw.”
Ferguson had employed Iwamasa from Perry’s talent management company in 2022, knowing he was aware of Perry’s struggles with substance abuse. However, her plans changed when Ferguson unexpectedly canceled Iwamasa’s vacation and sought reimbursement for the canceled time.
In the aftermath of Perry’s death, Ferguson claimed that Iwamasa sought financial support for life, initially proposing a severance package of $150,000 for one year, while Ferguson hinted at wanting a more substantial offer, which included a position at Perry’s foundation.
At the same time, it was revealed that Iwamasa was reconsidering her termination alongside pursuing a workers’ compensation claim related to Perry’s death, pleading guilty to the Justice Department in the process. “Matthew had a right to live, and you don’t,” Ferguson remarked coldly to Iwamasa.
