Playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris found himself unexpectedly detained in Japan, sparking concern among fans and colleagues.
Harris was arrested on November 16th under suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs upon his arrival for a planned sightseeing trip. The accusation immediately placed him within a legal system known for its uncompromising stance on drug offenses.
Japanese customs officials consider drug smuggling a profoundly serious crime, warning that even small amounts can lead to severe penalties, regardless of intended use. The country maintains a zero-tolerance policy, a reality underscored by stark warnings for foreign visitors.
Official travel advisories detail the harsh consequences faced by those convicted of drug-related crimes in Japan, with sentences ranging from six to seventeen years in prison, accompanied by substantial fines. Those incarcerated are often assigned labor or factory work as part of their sentence.
News of the arrest reverberated through the entertainment industry, bringing attention to a playwright celebrated for his groundbreaking work. Harris gained wider recognition for his role as Grégory Elliot Duprée in the popular Netflix series,Emily in Paris.
Before his role inEmily in Paris, Harris appeared in shows likeHigh MaintenanceandWhat We Do in the Shadows, and later contributed as a co-producer on the critically acclaimed series,Euphoria.
His most significant achievement remainsSlave Play, a provocative and critically lauded production he penned while at Yale University. The play’s Broadway debut in 2019 shattered records, earning an unprecedented twelve Tony Award nominations – the most ever received by a non-musical play at the time.
After weeks in custody, Harris has now been released without charges. He intends to remain in Japan, dedicating his time to writing and research for an upcoming project, allowing him to continue his creative pursuits despite the ordeal.
