The family also thanked authorities for taking the actor’s case seriously on Thursday
The family of Matthew Perry applauded the indictments of five people allegedly connected to the actor’s 2023 death. “We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously,” the family of journalist Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather, told NBC. “We look forward to justice taking its course.”
On Thursday, Perry’s live-in assistant, two doctors, and a person the media has nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen” were among those indicted by federal prosecutors. “These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said at a press conference in Los Angeles. “In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his wellbeing.”
Perry, who was open about his struggles with addiction going back to his days on Friends, was found dead face down in a swimming pool last October. The Los Angeles medical examiner proclaimed the cause of death to stem from the “acute effects of ketamine.” He was 54.
Earlier this year, Morrison, who married Perry’s mother in 1981, explained on Hoda Kotb’s podcast how difficult losing Perry has been for them. “It’s not easy, especially for his mom,” he said, adding that “Toward the end of his life, they were closer than I’ve seen them for decades.” He also said that Perry was happy around the time of his death and even said so. “He hadn’t said that for a long time,” Morrison added. “So it’s a source of comfort. Also, he didn’t get to have his third act, and that’s not fair.”