Duke Blasts 'White Lotus' for unauthorized branding
Alona Yadav | Mar 28, 2025, 00:28 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Duke University has condemned HBO's 'The White Lotus' for its unauthorized use of the university's imagery. The criticism focuses on the portrayal of a fictional Duke alumnus in a controversial scene. The university highlights that this misrepresentation conflicts with its values and underscores serious mental health concerns. HBO has yet to respond to Duke's statement.
In a bold move, Duke University has publicly denounced its portrayal in HBO's hit series "The White Lotus," criticizing the show's unauthorized use of its trademarked imagery and controversial narrative elements.
The prestigious North Carolina institution took direct aim at the show's depiction of a fictional Duke alumnus, Timothy Ratliff, played by Jason Isaacs. In the current third season set in Thailand, Ratliff appears in a dream sequence wearing Duke apparel during a scene that hints at potential murder-suicide.
Frank Tramble, Duke's vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs, issued a stark statement to CNN. "Duke did not approve the use of its marks in 'The White Lotus,'" Tramble explained. He emphasized that while the university appreciates artistic expression, the unauthorized branding creates misleading associations.
The university's concerns extend beyond mere trademark issues. Tramble argued that the show's imagery misrepresents Duke's core values and potentially trivializes serious mental health concerns. "Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses," he noted, using this critique as an opportunity to promote mental health awareness.
The controversial scene involves Isaacs' character, a wealthy businessman entangled in a federal investigation, who is depicted stealing his wife's anti-anxiety medication. His son Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, is also portrayed as a Duke graduate, further complicating the university's discomfort with the representation.
Creator Mike White is known for crafting provocative narratives that satirize societal dynamics, and this season of "The White Lotus" appears to continue that tradition. The show features an ensemble cast including Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff and explores complex family dynamics against the backdrop of a luxurious Thai resort.
Duke's public statement serves as a clear message about protecting its institutional reputation and using its platform responsibly, even in the face of popular entertainment.
HBO has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The prestigious North Carolina institution took direct aim at the show's depiction of a fictional Duke alumnus, Timothy Ratliff, played by Jason Isaacs. In the current third season set in Thailand, Ratliff appears in a dream sequence wearing Duke apparel during a scene that hints at potential murder-suicide.
Frank Tramble, Duke's vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs, issued a stark statement to CNN. "Duke did not approve the use of its marks in 'The White Lotus,'" Tramble explained. He emphasized that while the university appreciates artistic expression, the unauthorized branding creates misleading associations.
The university's concerns extend beyond mere trademark issues. Tramble argued that the show's imagery misrepresents Duke's core values and potentially trivializes serious mental health concerns. "Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses," he noted, using this critique as an opportunity to promote mental health awareness.
The controversial scene involves Isaacs' character, a wealthy businessman entangled in a federal investigation, who is depicted stealing his wife's anti-anxiety medication. His son Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, is also portrayed as a Duke graduate, further complicating the university's discomfort with the representation.
Creator Mike White is known for crafting provocative narratives that satirize societal dynamics, and this season of "The White Lotus" appears to continue that tradition. The show features an ensemble cast including Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff and explores complex family dynamics against the backdrop of a luxurious Thai resort.
Duke's public statement serves as a clear message about protecting its institutional reputation and using its platform responsibly, even in the face of popular entertainment.
HBO has not yet responded to requests for comment.