Jeremy O. Harris Detained in Japan for Alleged Drug Trafficking

Jeremy O. Harris, the acclaimed playwright behind Slave Play, co-producer of Euphoria, and actor on Emily in Paris, has been taken into custody in Japan on allegations of drug smuggling. Authorities at Naha Airport reportedly discovered ecstasy in his luggage on November 16.

Harris was apprehended while entering Okinawa from Taiwan after customs officials said they found 780 milligrams of MDMA in his carry-on. On Thursday, he was formally referred to local prosecutors for violating the countrys Customs Act. It is currently unclear whether formal charges have been filed, though the offense carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison under Japans strict drug laws.

Harris first gained widespread recognition in 2018 with Slave Play, a provocative three-act play exploring race, sex, and power. The production received 12 Tony Award nominations, setting a record for any Broadway play. Beyond his writing, Harris has actively supported emerging playwrights and championed diversity in theater. In 2021, he withdrew Slave Play from the Mark Taper Forums season due to the lack of female playwrights, advocating for greater inclusion in theater programming.

In addition to his stage work, Harris co-wrote the indie film Zola and has appeared on television series such as Emily in Paris and Gossip Girl.

Author: Gavin Porter