Bill Maher Critiques Medical Industry After Perry Death

Bill Maher harshly criticized the medical professionals linked to Matthew Perry's death, labeling them as 'enablers' and condemning the 'medical industrial complex' for its role in fostering drug addiction among celebrities. During his 'New Rules' segment, Maher recounted how Perry was misled by his doctor regarding the use of ketamine, suggesting a systemic issue where financial gain often trumps patient care. Maher highlighted the broader implications of over-prescription in American medicine, noting that from 2006 to 2019, over 145 billion opioid pills were prescribed, contributing to more than 210,000 overdose deaths. He emphasized a troubling trend where rehab facilities may replace one addiction with another, criticizing a Swiss clinic that failed to wean Perry off drugs. The talk show host pointed out the hypocrisy in how society treats prescription drugs versus street drugs, equating the two in terms of their dangers. Maher's remarks come in the wake of legal actions against physicians involved in Perry's death, one of whom has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug distribution.