What Happened to Matthew Perry's Speech?

On Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 the highly publicized interview between Diane Sawyer and Friends star Matthew Perry finally aired on ABC. In the interview, the duo sat down to discuss Matthew’s new memoir detailing his long history of addiction — something he says should have killed him more times than he can count.

However, it was more than just his heartbreaking story that caught the attention of viewers. While watching the interview, fans couldn't help but notice that Matthew Perry’s speech seemed a bit slurred.

Questions regarding Matthew’s speech began popping up online during the interview — and this wasn't the first time. During his interview with Diane Sawyer, one viewer tweeted, “He seems like he’s drunk now. His speech is slurred and he seems off to me.”

Neither Matthew nor anyone from his team has addressed the online chatter, but we believe Matthew when he says he’s now sober and has been for 18 months.

This isn’t the first time that fans have questioned Matthew’s speech. Back in 2016, during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, viewers began tweeting that the actor’s slurred speech was a cause for concern. Some worried that he may have even suffered a stroke, which has never been confirmed.

Later, during a 2021 People interview ahead of the Friends reunion, similar comments flooded social media. However, according to The Sun, Matthew’s slurred speech was a product of an emergency dental procedure he underwent earlier that day. The procedure reportedly left him in pain and with some difficulty speaking.

At the time, a source told The Sun, "Obviously no one wants to film after a procedure, but it happened. The feeling was one of huge sympathy for Matthew, especially in recent days given how people have reacted online. Matthew has told those around him that he is sober, and there is no need to worry.”

We only hope the best for Matthew and thank him for bravely sharing his difficult story in hopes of helping others who are battling the disease of addiction.

If you or someone you know needs help, use SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to find support for mental health and substance use disorders in your area or call 1-800-662-4357 for 24-hour assistance.