MOVIE NEWS – The tragic and unexpected death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry sent shockwaves through those who grew up watching the beloved sitcom in the ‘90s. Recently, new and shocking details emerged, connecting five individuals to Perry’s untimely demise, including a local physician, Perry’s personal assistant, and, surprisingly, a children’s film director.

Erik Fleming, a name once associated with quirky ‘90s family films, is now facing serious charges for his role in the drug scheme that led to Perry’s death. Fleming, known for directing the 1999 children’s fantasy movie My Brother the Pig, now finds himself in the spotlight for far more sinister reasons. This once-promising director, who mingled with Hollywood icons, could face up to 25 years behind bars.

It’s somewhat of a bizarre coincidence (or another tragic Hollywood downfall) that Fleming was involved in the scheme that killed the ’90s star, considering he was once an up-and-coming director in the same decade. Fleming produced the first season of The Surreal Life, which starred MC Hammer, Corey Feldman, Vince Neil, and others. He directed the bizarre 1995 sci-fi film, which starred a variety of ’80s icons, such as Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet, Adam Ant, and Grace Jones.

However, he’s perhaps best known for directing the 1999 children’s fantasy film, My Brother the Pig, which starred Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, and Judge Reinhold. The story revolves around a young boy named George who is magically transformed into a pig. Along with his housekeeper, best friend, and sister, George goes on a wild adventure to Mexico in an attempt to undo the spell before his parents return from Paris. Let’s just hope Fleming hadn’t started dealing drugs by then.

Two years ago, in an interview with GQ, Mendes’ husband, Ryan Gosling, shared that he and his family had watched My Brother the Pig numerous times during COVID lockdown. “My Brother The Pig was a big hit,” says Gosling. “I highly recommend it, by the way. Eva’s amazing in it.”

According to the Department of Justice, Fleming’s activities appeared to be those of a drug dealer. Fleming proactively coordinated with Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and a local physician, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” to deliver Perry his lethal dose. The DOJ gave a statement that said, “After discussing prices with [co-defendant] Iwamasa, Fleming coordinated the drug sales with Sangha, and brought cash from Iwamasa to Sangha’s stash house in North Hollywood to buy vials of ketamine.”

Four days prior to Perry’s death, Fleming confirmed with the assistant that ketamine was “on its way to our girl,” referring to Sangha. Fleming pled guilty on August 8 of this year to “one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. In addition, Fleming confessed to distributing up to 50 vials of ketamine. Half of the vials were distributed just four days before Perry’s death.

Source: MovieWeb