Updated on: December 6, 2025 / 8:14 PM EST / CBS/AP
Prominent American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris, known for his Tony-nominated Slave Play and a role in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy, officials said.
Officers at Naha Airport on Okinawa arrested Harris on Nov. 16 for an alleged violation of customs law after finding 0.78 grams (0.0275 ounces) of crystalized MDMA in a container inside a tote bag he was carrying, Okinawa Regional Customs spokesperson Tatsunori Fukuda said.
Harris, 36, had departed London’s Heathrow Airport two days earlier and transited through Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before arriving in Naha for sightseeing, Fukuda said. Okinawa is a popular resort destination with mild weather year-round.
Fukuda said Harris was arrested on the spot and taken into custody by Tomishiro police, which filed a criminal complaint with the Naha District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday for further investigation and potential indictment. CBS News has reached out to Tomishiro police for additional comment.
Japanese authorities said no other drugs were found in Harris’ luggage and that they believe the MDMA was for personal use. The investigation is ongoing, and Fukuda declined to say whether Harris made any comments on the case.
There was no immediate comment from Harris’ representatives, and Harris has not publicly addressed the arrest. CBS News reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Japan for comment.
Under Japanese criminal procedure, investigators may hold a suspect for up to 23 days before indictment; pretrial detention can be extended if a suspect remains silent or denies charges, a practice critics call “hostage justice.” Those convicted of drug smuggling in Japan can face multiyear prison sentences.
Harris gained prominence with Slave Play, which he wrote while a graduate student at the Yale School of Drama. The play premiered off-Broadway in 2018, sparked controversy for its provocative exploration of race and sexuality, and moved to Broadway in 2019, earning a Tony nomination for best play. It returned for a short Broadway run in December 2021. Harris has also made small acting appearances, cameoed as himself on a rebooted Gossip Girl, served as a co-producer on episodes of HBO’s Euphoria, and appeared on Emily in Paris.