Jason Isaacs, known for his role in The White Lotus Season 3, is never shy about expressing his thoughts, and he recently spoke out about the backlash from Duke University over the use of their logo on a t-shirt worn by his character, Timothy Ratliff, in a memorable murder-suicide dream sequence. The university criticized the HBO show for using their logo without permission, calling the imagery “troubling” and contrary to their values.
In a seemingly defiant move, Isaacs wore a Duke University t-shirt to the show’s season finale event. During an appearance on the Prestige Junkie podcast, Isaacs shared the humorous backstory behind his shirt. He explained that his flight was canceled, and his bags were lost, leaving him with nothing to wear. The Duke store at the Charlotte Airport was his only option for a change of clothes, and he saw an opportunity to stir up a little mischief.
Isaacs expressed that he found the whole situation “faintly amusing,” stating that while he doesn’t like seeing anyone upset, he felt that the university’s reaction was exaggerated. In his view, it seemed like the institution was simply looking for attention and a viral moment. He even joked about Duke University alumni being “such a rogue’s gallery” and noted that the idea that a fictional character on a TV show could cause them trouble seemed “fanciful and ridiculous.”
The storyline surrounding the Ratliff family, and Isaacs’ character in particular, remains one of the most talked-about elements of The White Lotus Season 3. Despite the controversy, the show continues to be a major topic of discussion among fans.
You can catch all three seasons of The White Lotus on MAX, where the series continues to captivate audiences with its dark humor and complex characters.
