"Actor and Playwright Jeremy O. Harris Arrested in Japan for Alleged Drug Smuggling while Filming "Emily in Paris"

Jeremy O. Harris, the Tony-nominated playwright and actor recognized for his role in "Emily in Paris," was taken into custody in Japan in November after authorities allege he attempted to bring ecstasy (MDMA) into the country.

Reports from multiple news organizations on December 5 indicate that Japanese customs submitted a formal criminal accusation against Harris on December 4. He remains in detention as the legal process continues.

The 36-year-old Harris arrived in Okinawa on November 16, where Japanese customs officers reportedly discovered the illegal substances in his luggage. Officials confirmed that he traveled from the United Kingdom with a layover in Taiwan, citing a Japanese customs representative.

If convicted, Harris could face a prison term of up to seven years. Authorities have not disclosed whether he has admitted to the allegations.

Harris is widely recognized for his 2019 Broadway play Slave Play, which earned ten Tony nominations. His recent projects include the 2020 film Zola and 2025 releases The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick and Erupcja, as well as serving as a producer on the second season of HBO's Euphoria.

On screen, he portrays Grgory Elliot Dupre in Netflix's Emily in Paris and appeared as himself in the 2021 revival of Gossip Girl. His Broadway work also includes productions such as Ain't No Mo and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window.

In July, Harris premiered his play Spirit of the People at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts, featuring actors Amber Heard, Ato Blankson-Wood, Zachary Booth, James Cusati-Moyer, Emma Ramos, Brandon Flynn, Julian Sanchez, and Amandla Jahava.

Harris last posted on Instagram on October 31, thanking host Ari Melber of MS NOW for promoting his latest play, Prince F-----.

Author: Harper Simmons