Fact Check: Dr. Plasencia Called Matthew Perry a 'Moron' and Wanted to Exploit Him for Money
What We Know
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, has been implicated in a case involving the distribution of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, who tragically passed away from an overdose in October 2023. According to multiple sources, including a report by the BBC, text messages exchanged between Dr. Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, another co-defendant, reveal that Plasencia referred to Perry as a "moron" and speculated on how much Perry would be willing to pay for the drug. The messages were presented as evidence in court documents related to the plea agreement, which indicates that Plasencia was involved in an underground network supplying ketamine to Perry during the weeks leading up to his death.
Plasencia is facing multiple charges, including four counts of distributing ketamine, and has agreed to plead guilty, which could result in a sentence of up to 40 years in prison (AP News). The text messages specifically highlight a disturbing lack of concern for Perry's well-being, as they focused instead on profit motives.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Dr. Plasencia called Matthew Perry a "moron" and expressed a desire to exploit him financially is robust. The messages were not only shared with prosecutors but are also cited in multiple reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice and USA Today. These messages clearly illustrate a troubling dynamic where Plasencia and Chavez discussed Perry in derogatory terms while contemplating financial gain from his drug use.
The reliability of the sources is strong, particularly the official statements from the U.S. Department of Justice, which provide a formal account of the charges and the evidence presented. The BBC and AP News are also credible outlets known for their journalistic integrity. However, it is important to note that while these sources report on the same events, they may have varying degrees of editorial interpretation. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple reports lends credence to the claims made.
Conclusion
The claim that Dr. Plasencia texted a co-defendant, referring to Matthew Perry as a "moron" and expressing a desire to exploit him for money, is True. The evidence from text messages presented in court documents confirms this assertion, highlighting a concerning disregard for Perry's health and well-being in favor of financial gain.
Sources
- California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ... - BBC Link
- Five Defendants, Including Two Doctors, Charged in ... - U.S. Department of Justice Link
- Doctor who supplied ketamine to Matthew Perry and called him a 'moron ... - AP News Link
- Matthew Perry Ketamine Case: Doctors Called Him "Moron" in Text ... - E! Online Link
- Matthew Perry's doctor pleads guilty to ketamine distribution - USA TODAY Link
- Doctor Agrees to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry's Overdose Death - TODAY Link
