Photo — Matthew Perry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Matthew_Perry_Office_of_National_Drug_Control_Policy_The_White_House.theora.ogv (Public domain) · Keanu Reeves: File:Keanu_Reeves.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Short Version
In October 2022, published excerpts from Matthew Perry's memoir revealed passages questioning why actors like River Phoenix died while Keanu Reeves 'still walks among us'. Following swift public backlash, Perry issued a statement clarifying he was a fan who chose a random name, and later pledged in April 2023 to remove references to Reeves from future editions of the book.
Latest Development
Matthew Perry pledges to remove Keanu Reeves from future book printings
Appearing at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Perry admitted his comments were 'stupid' and 'mean' and announced that all future versions of his memoir would omit Reeves' name.
April 22, 2023 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
April 22, 2023
Matthew Perry pledges to remove Keanu Reeves from future book printings
Public statementAppearing at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Perry admitted his comments were 'stupid' and 'mean' and announced that all future versions of his memoir would omit Reeves' name.
Source ↗November 2022
Source reports Keanu Reeves was surprised by memoir remarks
ReportedUs Weekly reported via an unnamed source that Reeves was caught off guard by the remarks in Perry's book, viewing them as coming out of left field.
Source ↗October 2022
Memoir excerpts containing remarks about Keanu Reeves circulate online
Verified eventExcerpts from Matthew Perry's memoir 'Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing' were published, showing passages where Perry questioned why talented actors like River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, and Chris Farley died while Keanu Reeves 'still walks among us'.
Source ↗October 2022
Matthew Perry issues apology following public criticism
Public statementFollowing backlash from social media users and fellow actors, Perry released a public statement clarifying that he was a 'big fan' of Reeves, had chosen a random name, and apologized for the remark.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Resolved. The matter was resolved after Perry issued public apologies and pledged to remove all references to Reeves from future editions of his memoir. Reeves never made a public statement on the matter.
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Sources
- 1.SourceMatthew Perry pledges to remove Keanu Reeves from future book printings · Apr 22, 2023
- 2.SourceSource reports Keanu Reeves was surprised by memoir remarks ·
- 3.SourceMemoir excerpts containing remarks about Keanu Reeves circulate online ·
- 4.SourceMatthew Perry issues apology following public criticism ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.