Jason Isaacs' Duke T-Shirt Sparks University Backlash

Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Timothy Ratliff in Season 3 of HBO's 'The White Lotus', faced backlash from Duke University after wearing a Duke T-shirt in a controversial scene where his character contemplates suicide. The portrayal led Duke University to criticize the show for using their brand without permission and associating it with troubling imagery, which they argued misrepresented their values. Despite this, Isaacs appeared at the show's finale event wearing a Duke T-shirt, seemingly mocking the university's complaint. Isaacs expressed amusement at the situation, suggesting that the controversy was more about seeking attention than real concern. The actor has a personal connection to the Carolinas, having filmed 'The Patriot' in South Carolina and frequently visiting North Carolina. The conflict highlights tensions between artistic expression and brand image management.