Tony-Nominated Creator of ‘Slave Play’ Detained for Three Weeks Over Alleged MDMA Smuggling
TOKYO, JAPAN — American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris has been released from Japanese police custody following a three-week detention related to allegations of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
Harris, known for his groundbreaking Tony-nominated work Slave Play and his acting role in the series Emily in Paris, was released on Monday, December 8, after being held since his arrest on November 16 at Naha Airport in Okinawa.
The Allegations and Detention
The 36-year-old playwright was detained after Japanese customs officials at the Naha Airport reportedly discovered approximately 780 milligrams of crystal containing Ecstasy (MDMA) in his carry-on tote bag. The amount is roughly equivalent to less than a gram. Harris had arrived in Okinawa for sightseeing, traveling from Britain via Taiwan.
Following the discovery, he was arrested on suspicion of violating Japan’s stringent Customs and Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Acts. The case was later forwarded to local prosecutors for further investigation and potential indictment. Japan is known for maintaining some of the world’s strictest anti-drug laws, where a conviction for smuggling could carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison, even for small quantities.
Released Without Charges
While local police declined to comment on whether formal charges were filed upon his release, a representative for Mr. Harris told media outlets that the playwright was released without charges.
The representative added that Harris plans to remain in Japan to continue conducting research and writing for an upcoming creative project. The lengthy detention period, nearly the maximum 23 days permitted under Japanese law before indictment, had drawn attention to the country’s often-criticized “hostage justice” system.
Jeremy O. Harris has received critical acclaim for pushing boundaries in theatre and film, including co-writing the screenplay for the A24 film Zola and serving as a producer on the HBO series Euphoria.
