A few days before his unexpected death on October 28, 2023, the American actor Matthew Perry published several, sometimes cryptic, posts on Instagram that caused great concern among his fans.
From today’s perspective, Perry’s last Instagram post is particularly dramatic. It shows the actor sitting in his hot tub with headphones on his ears. “Oh, so warm water swirling around is good for you? “I’m Mattman,” writes Perry. The macabre thing about it: A few days later, Perry drowned in his hot tub.
Batman references in recent posts
Perry had previously used the word “Mattman” in several posts – a reference to Batman. The Gotham City superhero played a big role in the “Friends” actor’s recent posts. Even back then, his followers thought they could recognize this as a cry for help. Most recently, he asked in cryptic posts: “Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? I’m Mattman” and “You know what I mean?”
Perry’s fans reacted with concern. “Matt, you know some of us are a little worried about you right now? I hope you’re just having some fun or hinting at a new project. “Your fans adore you and want you to be happy and healthy – please take care of yourself,” one Instagram user wrote at the time. “I feel like you’re trying to tell us something,” another person said.
“The Batman signal is a sign of distress”
After the shocking news of his death, fans continue to try to interpret Perry’s posts. “I know now. He sent us the Bat-Signal. He needed help. His death should be investigated. Who took the photo of him in the hot tub for his last post? This is the place where he died. His whole IG is like PR and just recently he started posting and he sent out the bat signal and we didn’t understand it,” says a user of the photo platform.
Another person wrote: “The Batman signal is a sign of distress. And now that we hear of your death, I’m reading about the significance it has! DC Comics says it serves as a reminder of the truly brutal rage that lurks within Bruce’s mind! I think you fought back! We should have been able to figure it out! I know that drowning is one of the most peaceful ways to end a life! My aunt died by suicide by drowning. I hope you’re at peace, Matthew!”
Another fan concluded: “Someone said the last chapter of his podcast was called Batman – and in it he reflected on his leen and how he couldn’t handle another relapse. Given his recent posts, it seems like he definitely needed some help. It’s heartbreaking that he died all alone.”
Perry’s fascination with Batman
It had long been known that Perry had a strong fascination with Batman. In 2022 he explained in a Interview with “GQ” for example: “I am Batman”. Then he continued, “Well, he’s a rich loner. We both drive black, cool cars. I don’t solve crimes. But I saved people’s lives.”