Duke University Protests Use of Logo in HBO's The White Lotus

Duke University has expressed disapproval of its branding being used in HBO's 'The White Lotus' third season, particularly concerning a scene where a character, Timothy Ratliff, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, contemplates suicide while wearing a Duke T-shirt. The university's vice president for communications, Frank Tramble, stated that the show's imagery does not reflect Duke's values and creates confusion regarding endorsement. This controversy coincides with Duke's strong basketball program as the NCAA tournament approaches, leading to widespread social media attention on the scene. Duke emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, noting that suicide is a leading cause of death on college campuses. HBO has not commented on the university's concerns, which underscore the tensions between artistic expression and institutional representation. The university's statement highlights its commitment to preventing mental health issues among students, even as the show's portrayal raises questions about its messaging.