Playwright Jeremy O Harris Freed from Japanese Prison After Drug Arrest
The acclaimed writer behind 'Slave Play' was detained for nearly three weeks at a Japanese airport on drug smuggling allegations before being released without charges.
Acclaimed playwright Jeremy O Harris walked free from a Japanese detention facility after spending nearly three weeks behind bars on drug smuggling charges that were ultimately dropped. The Tony-nominated writer was taken into custody at Naha Airport in Okinawa on November 16th when customs officials allegedly found 0.78 grams of crystal containing MDMA in his tote bag.
Airport Detention Leads to Extended Custody
Harris had flown to the Japanese island for vacation, traveling from the United Kingdom through Taiwan before reaching his final destination. An Okinawa regional customs official speaking to Reuters confirmed the arrest details last week. Japanese authorities held the playwright under the country's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, keeping him locked up for almost three weeks.
The Tomishiro Police Station in Okinawa's Tomigusuku City verified that Harris regained his freedom on December 8th, according to a department spokesperson. A representative speaking for the writer confirmed to The New York Times that all charges were dropped upon his release.
Plans to Continue Work Despite Legal Troubles
Rather than leaving Japan immediately after his release, Harris intends to remain in the country to focus on professional commitments. His representative stated that the writer plans to use his time in Japan for "writing and researching" activities related to an upcoming creative project.
Harris gained widespread recognition as the mastermind behind "Slave Play," his groundbreaking 2018 theatrical work that earned 12 Tony Award nominations. His creative portfolio also includes co-writing the screenplay for A24's "Zola" and serving as co-producer on four episodes during HBO's "Euphoria" second season. Most recently, he appeared in "Erupcja," a Pete Ohs-directed film starring Charli XCX that had its premiere at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah this month, though Harris was unable to attend the Saudi Arabian event due to his detention.