The official X account of the late actor Matthew Perry fell victim to hacking by an online cryptocurrency platform, leading to fraudulent activities. Perry’s profile, known for his role in the iconic series Friends, included a link to a foundation established in his honor. However, this link was tampered with, redirecting users to deceptive websites.
In response to the incident, a statement was issued by the Matthew Perry Foundation, addressing the situation:
“We have been informed that Matthew’s verified X page has been compromised, redirecting users to a fraudulent platform soliciting donations through cryptocurrency.”
The Instagram post containing the compromised link has since been removed, accompanied by a cautionary message:
“We urge individuals not to contribute to the fraudulent site or propagate misleading posts on social media. The sole official website affiliated with the Matthew Perry Foundation is MatthewPerryFoundation.org, where we exclusively accept donations.”
The foundation, established to honor the enduring legacy of the Friends star, is dedicated to aiding individuals battling various forms of addiction. Perry, known for his commitment to supporting others in overcoming addiction, emphasized this mission in the foundation’s official Instagram bio, highlighting his ongoing dedication to assisting those grappling with addiction.
The passing of Chandler Bing, Perry’s character in Friends, occurred on October 28, 2023, following an incident of drowning at his Los Angeles residence. Autopsy findings revealed elevated levels of ketamine in his bloodstream at the time of death, suggesting a potential loss of consciousness leading to drowning. The report also cited coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors.
Throughout his life, Perry openly discussed his battles with substance abuse, including his frequent visits to rehabilitation facilities during his tenure on Friends. In his memoir titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” he detailed his struggles with addiction and eventual triumph over it.