A drug addiction counsellor convicted in connection with the overdose death of Matthew Perry has admitted he supplied ketamine because he “needed money” and believed he was helping a friend.

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‎Erik Fleming, 56, made the confession during sentencing proceedings in a federal court in Los Angeles, California, where he was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiracy to distribute ketamine linked to Perry’s death.

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‎According to prosecutors, Fleming sourced the powerful anaesthetic drug from alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha, widely known as the “Ketamine Queen,” before supplying it to the late actor in the weeks leading to his fatal overdose in October 2023.

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‎“I thought I was helping my friend and I needed money,” Fleming admitted in court, while expressing regret over his actions and the consequences of drug abuse.

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‎Authorities said Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine after being found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his California home. Investigators argued that several individuals, including medical professionals and associates, exploited the actor’s addiction for financial gain.

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‎Fleming told the court he has been “haunted” by the tragedy and described his involvement as “the biggest mistake” of his life. He apologised to Perry’s family and accepted responsibility for his role in distributing the drug.

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‎The case has renewed global conversations about substance abuse, addiction exploitation, and the dangers of ketamine misuse, especially among vulnerable individuals battling dependency.

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‎Federal prosecutors said the sentencing sends a strong warning about the illegal distribution of controlled substances and the devastating consequences drug addiction can have on individuals, families, and society.