Death of Matthew Perry: Kenny Iwamasa faces prison sentence. PAs reveal what they have to do for celebrity bosses: “You can't say no” | Hollywood

Also read: Matthew Perry's ex makes shocking claim about his 'needle phobia' and doubts death by ketamine: 'You only die when…'

“It can be difficult to say no to your employer”

During questioning, as police pressed Iwamasa for answers, he revealed his boss's last chilling words before he died in the hot tub. Perry asked his personal assistant to “give me a big shot,” and the assistant has now pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. However, former personal assistant and author of Don't Make a Scene: Struggles of a Celebrity PA, Merryl Futerman, understood what Perry's PA meant.

He said, “My first reaction is that it's heartbreaking on many levels, but I'm also aware that the role of personal assistant is a gray area. That concerns what you can and can't do, and how hard it can be to say no,” as reported by the New York Post.

One veteran Hollywood executive agreed that saying no to your boss can be difficult. He said, “You can't say no. When Matthew Perry tells you he needs a refill, you understand him. He helped him get what gets him through the day. Now the least powerful person” – one without access to the expensive lawyers and PR people who can protect celebrities – “has been arrested and found guilty.” So it was Iwamasa's duty to keep Perry's drug addiction a secret, as his LinkedIn profile shows: He is “discreet, loyal and respects absolute confidentiality.”

Also read: Matthew Perry's alleged 'ketamine queen' dealer may have referred to him as 'Chandler' in secret text messages

A mixture of glamour and guilt

A former celebrity assistant revealed that the life of a Hollywood star godfather involves being around celebrities and enjoying a taste of their glamorous lives, while also being asked to complete regrettable tasks. A top producer revealed: “It's very hard. And sometimes [the celebrity] is abusive. You either have to deal with it or find another job.” when the boss is very demanding. Rowena Chiu revealed in her recent editorial in the New York Times her horrific experience with Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly tried to rape her and then banned her from the industry.

Despite earning a lavish salary and enjoying perks like luxury travel, assistants can find their lives completely overtaken by the needs of their bosses. Many assistants, like Bonnie Low-Kramen, have said the job can take up personal time, sometimes leading to them spending more time with celebrities than with their own families. Legal battles involving stars like Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Naomi Campbell highlight the serious problems in this industry, including harassment and abuse.

“Hitting the right note”

Low-Kramen, who has had a positive experience working with Olympia Dukakis, pointed out that assistants often face ethical boundaries, such as covering up personal matters or falsifying documents. She said, “I believe assistants can set the tone right from the interview stage. Talk about discretion and mutual respect.” However, some celebrities may test those boundaries by asking intrusive or unethical questions. The A-lister continued, “During the interview, a celebrity might ask their potential assistant what they're willing to do. They might ask if you're willing to cover birth control for their wife. Would you switch places with them if the police stopped them for drunk driving? It's a loyalty test to see how far you'll go.” Kenny currently faces up to 15 years in prison.