Jeremy O. Harris, the Tony-nominated playwright and actor, has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of violating the country’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Acts. Authorities detained Harris at an airport near Naha, Okinawa, after allegedly discovering drugs in his carry-on tote bag, according to police reports.
The arrest of the rising star, known for his groundbreaking play slave Play and recent work in television and film, underscores Japan’s notoriously strict drug laws. A conviction could result in a sentence of up to seven years in prison. Harris remains in custody in Tomigusuku, and it is currently unclear if he has made a statement regarding the allegations.
Harris gained widespread recognition following the success of Slave Play, which received 12 tony Award nominations. Beyond his playwriting, he has expanded his creative portfolio to include screenwriting and acting. He co-wrote the 2021 film Zola and contributed to the second season of HBO’s Euphoria.
His acting credits include appearances on Gossip Girl,Emily in Paris,and The Sweet East. He is currently featured in Erupcja, an upcoming film starring charli XCX.
Japan’s stringent anti-drug policies have ensnared high-profile figures in the past.In 1980, Paul McCartney was briefly detained in Tokyo after arriving with marijuana in his luggage, ultimately spending nine days in prison before his release. The incident highlights the serious consequences facing individuals accused of drug-related offenses within the Japanese legal system.