The producers of the Emmy Awards have revealed why the cast of Friends was not in attendance to pay tribute to Matthew Perry at Monday's show.
Perry died at the age of 54 on October 28 after having been found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.
The beloved star, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends, was tragically pronounced dead shortly afterward, with his autopsy report later revealing he'd died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects also listed as contributing factors.
At Monday's Emmy Awards, Perry was among the names remembered in the 'In Memoriam' segment, which was set to a pared-down version of the Friends theme song.
A host of stars who'd died in the past year, including Andre Braugher, Kirstie Alley, and Len Goodman, had their photograph shown in a touching slide show, which culminated with Perry's picture.
Despite the moving moment, many fans noticed that the rest of the cast of Friends - David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow - were not in attendance at the event.
Now, Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, executive producers of this year's Emmy Awards, have explained exactly why that was the case.
They told the Hollywood Reporter that Perry's castmates had been contacted to be there, but things were still too fresh following the loss of their beloved colleage.
Collins told the publication: "We had talked about it early on, but I can imagine, from their side, they're mourning someone who was still very close to them.
"I can't speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon."
Rouzan-Clay echoed the statement, adding: "It's still very fresh for them."
The touching tribute had begun with Charlie Puth's 2015 song 'See You Again', which then transitioned into 'I'll Be There For You' as the finale.
Perry had starred in Friends for its entire run from 1994 until 2004, and had been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the role in 2002.
He was also nominated four more times over the years, including twice for his guest work on The West Wing.
Following his death, which was ruled accidental, the cast of Friends shared a joint statement, telling People: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.
"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
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