Credit: Inside the MagicMatthew Perry’s death shook the core of Hollywood just months ago, and the once innocent and tragic passing has now become an open investigation of manslaughter against the Friends actor.
Now, comedian Conan O’Brien is speaking out on Matthew Perry and his feelings toward the actor who once worked closely with Conan’s ex, Lisa Kudrow.
The sudden passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry last October continues to cast a long shadow. While the initial investigation revealed “acute effects of ketamine” as the cause of death, a deeper exploration into the circumstances surrounding his passing has begun. This investigation, spearheaded by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), is now delving into the potential involvement of a Hollywood drug network.
The central question driving the investigation is the source of the fatal ketamine dosage.
Determining who supplied the drug holds significant legal implications. Special Agent Tracy Walder, a former CIA and FBI agent, highlights the potential for federal charges related to mail fraud. This stems from the growing trend of drug networks utilizing the postal service to illegally transmit prescription drugs – an offense punishable by up to five years in prison.
“Intent” is a key factor in this case, according to Walder. While the act of drug dealing itself is unquestionably illegal, the investigation aims to determine if the supplier knowingly provided a lethal amount of ketamine. The fact that Matthew self-administered the drug precludes murder charges. However, Walder emphasizes the potential for involuntary manslaughter charges if the supplier’s actions demonstrated reckless disregard for the potential consequences.
Walder further sheds light on the concerning rise of mail-order drug distribution networks. She notes the significant financial incentive involved, with individuals potentially selling legally obtained prescriptions for exorbitant prices. The alarming ease of acquiring drugs through this method compared to traditional identity theft further underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.
The investigation has reportedly included questioning actress Brooke Mueller, Charlie Sheen’s ex-wife, who maintained a friendship with Perry. While not formally accused, she reportedly cooperated fully with authorities. Additionally, reports from InTouch allege the involvement of a second, unnamed actress who may have shared similar struggles with addiction with Perry. These reports suggest a potential exchange of prescriptions and doctor referrals to maintain their drug supply.
While expressing sadness for Perry, Walder emphasizes the problematic nature of those who “fed off his weakness.” Her hope lies in the possibility of felony convictions for individuals who may have knowingly supplied him with drugs, potentially serving as a strong deterrent for similar situations in the future.
This ongoing investigation raises critical questions about drug accessibility within Hollywood and the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. As the investigation unfolds, it holds the potential to expose a sinister network and serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
Conan O’Brien Speaks Out Against Matthew Perry
In a recent appearance on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast, actress Lisa Kudrow offered a poignant reflection on her relationship with the iconic sitcom Friends and her late co-star, Matthew Perry.
The conversation, titled “Lisa Kudrow Returns,” delved into Kudrow’s time on the show and her work on the new Apple TV+ series Time Bandits. During the interview, host Conan O’Brien, a longtime friend of Kudrow’s, inquired if the passage of time had allowed her to enjoy watching Friends again.
“Do you have distance on that now?” O’Brien asked. “Like, when you see—’cos it’s ubiquitous—when you see a Friends [episode] on, does that affect you in any way or is it just—”
Kudrow’s response revealed a complex emotional journey. “Well, I used to not be able to watch it at all,” she confided. “I mean, I’d see it on and be, like, mildly interested and then I’d see me and say ‘That’s enough of that, I can’t bear it.'”
However, a turning point emerged in the wake of Perry’s passing in October 2023. “And, so I have started watching Friends again because it wasn’t about me, it had to do with him for some reason,” Kudrow explained. This shift in perspective allowed her to focus on Perry’s performance, a source of immense enjoyment. “Everyone is phenomenally hilarious to me,” she added.
O’Brien said he remembers a time when Kudrow called him “raving” about Perry, telling him the actor was “so funny,” admitting that there was a part of him that was jealous. O’Brien and Kudrow dated from 1988 to 1993—Friends started filming in 1994—and remain good friends.
Kudrow confirmed this memory, adding, “You are the funniest person I know, one of the funniest people I know … that’s just a fact. But he was such a huge—I thought that Chandler character, when I read it, I thought ‘Oh, they have a gay character. That’s good,'” she said, drawing laughter from O’Brien.
This initial misconception underscores the brilliance of Perry’s portrayal. “I thought—that’s all I heard, that’s all I heard, you know? And so, at the table read, I just did a double take at him, ‘oh my God.’ I never in a million years could have envisioned anyone playing the character like that and with his own rhythm and everything, it’s his own.”
O’Brien and Kudrow further agreed on Perry’s exceptional comedic timing.
Perry’s death undoubtedly left a profound void, both personally and professionally. The interview serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the Friends cast and Kudrow’s ability to find solace in revisiting the show and appreciating Perry’s comedic genius.
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