The guests checked out of The White Lotus
Thailand nearly a week ago. However, the row of controversies does not really slow down for a minute. Although Mike White is no stranger to the conflicting tendency that accompanies each and every season, this time, the context of the chaos is not something the viewers expected. Following the end of The White Lotus
season 3, the show has come under scrutiny, especially over a Duke University reference.
While countless debates and discussions have circled The White Lotus
’ latest installment, what is the story of the Duke University dispute?
Timothy Ratliff in The White Lotus
season 3 was embroiled in a shady financial deal, which left him dependent on an anti-anxiety medication and in a state of disorientation. Later, he stole a handgun from Gaitok, the resort security guard. In a scene, Mr. Ratliff seemed to contemplate taking his own life, ironically clad in a Duke University t-shirt.
Frank Tramble, the vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs at Duke, said in an email that the university did not approve
of the use of its “trademarks
Breaking: Jason Isaacs’ character Timothy Ratliff, in a Duke t-shirt, apparently is a NO-NO. Duke university said they want nothing to do with “The White Lotus”:
“Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling, but characters prominently wearing apparel bearing… pic.twitter.com/bi9kUBOhoc
— TMSPN.com (@sportsgossip) March 27, 2025
Mr. Tramble clarified that the university appreciates creative artistic outlets and forms of expression. However, the characters donning apparel emblazoned with Duke’s “federally registered trademarks”
confuse viewers, suggesting an “endorsement or affiliation where none exists.”
He continued that The White Lotus
uses the logo without permission, that too within an imagery or space that is “troubling
.” According to Mr. Tramble, the imagery from their perspective “does not reflect our values or who we are, and simply goes too far.”
While Duke’s officials may not agree with The White Lotus
with the use of their logo on the show, the jurisdiction is most likely on HBO’s front, as per experts.
The White Lotus has an upper hand against Duke University
According to The New York Times, citing Jeanne Fromer, a professor specializing in intellectual property rights at the New York University School of L–, said trademark rights are about “protecting businesses.”
For instance, if someone opens a school and names it “Duke University,”
that would be a violation. However, in the case of The White Lotus
, such a thing never materialized.
White Lotus Star Jason Isaac Trolled Duke on the red carpet pic.twitter.com/is1dzSqs6k
— TMSPN.com (@sportsgossip) April 7, 2025
In fact, artists are granted “strong protection under the First Amendment,”
allowing them to use popular trademarks for creative or artistic expressions. Although this is not the first White Lotus
controversy Jason Isaacs has encountered
, Professor Fromer believes Duke is gaining more attention to it in its quest for dissociation. David Olsen, an associate professor at Boston College L– School, confirmed that the use of these trademarks in fictional settings for cultural commentary “enjoys wide legal latitude.”
What do you think of The White Lotus
vs. Duke University controversy? Let us know in the comments below!
