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TOKYO – Celebrated American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris has been released from detention in Japan following a three-week custody period over allegations of attempting to smuggle the psychedelic drug ecstasy.
The 36-year-old artist, famed for his Tony-nominated work “Slave Play,” was released from police custody on Monday, as confirmed by the Tomishiro police department. While the department informed The Associated Press of his release, they did not disclose whether Harris was granted bail or if he has since departed from Japan.
Harris, who also made a notable appearance in “Emily in Paris,” was apprehended on November 16 at Naha Airport, situated on Japan’s southern Okinawa island. Authorities charged him with violating customs law after finding 0.78 grams (0.0275 ounces) of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, concealed in a container within his tote bag.
His journey began at London’s Heathrow Airport, from where he flew to Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before reaching Naha for a sightseeing trip, according to customs officials.
Upon his arrival, Harris was immediately detained by the Tomishiro police. The case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors to determine further legal action, including the possibility of indictment.
The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office refused to confirm whether his case has been dropped or still being investigated.
AP requests for comment from Harris’ representatives in the U.S. were not returned Tuesday.
Japanese criminal procedures allow investigators to keep a suspect in custody for up to 23 days before indictment.
Harris debuted with “Slave Play,” which he wrote as a graduate student at the Yale School of Drama. The play incited controversy with its provocative mix of race, class and sexual taboos when it premiered off-Broadway in 2018. It earned a Tony nomination for best play the following year but did not win an award.
He’s also cameoed as himself on a rebooted “Gossip Girl” and served as a coproducer on several episodes of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria.”
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AP writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed to this report.
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