The White Lotus has made waves not only for its plot twists and dramatic characters but also for stirring up real-life controversies. In the latest saga, the show has found itself in a bit of a feud with Duke University, all thanks to a certain reference to the prestigious school in Season 3.
For those who follow the show, it’s clear that the Ratliff family, introduced in the third season, has strong ties to Duke University. The patriarch of the family is an alum, and the school is mentioned a few times. The trouble started in Episode 6 when Tim Ratliff (played by Jason Isaacs) has a moment of deep despair, contemplating taking his own life while wearing a Duke University-branded T-shirt. While many viewers saw this as a reflection of the character’s internal struggles, Duke University was not pleased.
Frank Tramble, Duke University’s VP of Communications, shared his thoughts with The New York Times, expressing the school’s discontent. He said, “The White Lotus not only uses our brand without permission but in our view uses it on imagery that is troubling, does not reflect our values or who we are and simply goes too far.”
Jason Isaacs, always quick with a witty comeback, didn’t hold back in responding to Duke’s complaint. In an interview with Prestige Junkie Podcast, the actor suggested that the university’s issue was likely a publicity stunt. “It was just someone fancying seeing their name online and, in some department, wanting to go viral,” Isaacs quipped. He went on to poke fun at Duke’s other infamous alumni, remarking, “Their real-life alumni are such a rogue’s gallery, many of them, that the notion that this rather spiritually enlightened character on television caused them any trouble is fanciful and ridiculous.”
To top it all off, Isaacs amusingly revealed that he wore a Duke mascot shirt at the White Lotus finale screening, admitting it was because he had no other clothes available at the time due to a wardrobe mishap. It seems like Isaacs is taking the controversy in stride, but Duke University certainly seems to have a different view on how its brand was used on the show.
