Jeremy O. Harris detained in Japan on suspicion of drug smuggling

Jeremy O. Harris, the actor known for his role as Grgory Elliot Dupre on the Netflix series Emily in Paris, has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs. Local authorities confirmed the arrest on December 4, 2025. Harris was detained on November 16 after arriving at Okinawa Airport. Customs officers discovered ecstasy in his bag during a routine inspection, according to the Tomigusuku police, who manage the airport.

The authorities reported that 780 milligrams of Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, were found in Harris' carry-on luggage. At the time of the arrest, Harris was charged with violating Japan's Customs Act, which forbids the importation of narcotics into the country. However, as of now, it remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed or whether Harris has made any admissions regarding the allegations, according to reports from The New York Times.

Harris has been in custody since his arrest, and further details on the case are still pending. Attempts to contact Harris representative and the Tomigusuku police for comment have not received a response.

Harris gained widespread recognition in 2018 when he wrote and produced the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play Slave Play. The production was a major success, leading to a Broadway run in 2019 and 12 Tony Award nominations. Harris has since written screenplays, including 2020s Zola and the upcoming Erupcja, and appeared in television series like Emily in Paris and Gossip Girl, as well as films such as The Sweet East.

Despite his rising fame, Harris recently discussed his challenges in adjusting to Hollywood. In a June interview with Vanity Fair, he shared, I am someone who, in this moment of figuring out how to navigate this world, all I have going for me is that everyone recognizes that I have good taste, right? It's all like this weird club and once you're in, you're in.

Author: Riley Thompson