Famous American university calls out White Lotus S3 for not getting its references approved

This season of “The White Lotus” has captivated viewers with its outrageous storylines, yet some Duke University alumni, known as Blue Devils, are less than pleased. Currently, in its third season, the show stars Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff, a wealthy businessman vacationing in Thailand with his family from North Carolina. Ratliff finds himself in a complicated situation, including a key scene where he contemplates murder-suicide while wearing a Duke University t-shirt during a dream sequence.

Duke University calls out HBO's 'The White Lotus' over controversial use of school logo

"Duke University did not approve the use of its marks in The White Lotus," Frank Tramble, vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs at Duke, said in an email to the press. "Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling, but characters prominently wearing apparel bearing Duke’s federally registered trademarks creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists."

He elaborated that the show "not only uses our brand without permission, but in our view uses it on imagery that is troubling, does not reflect our values or who we are, and simply goes too far."

Tramble highlighted the seriousness of the issue, mentioning that “Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses.” He pointed out that as imagery from the show circulates extensively on social media, Duke is working to promote mental health awareness and remind people that help is available.

The Ratliff character faces several challenges, including being under federal investigation for his business practices back in North Carolina and resorting to stealing anti-anxiety medication from his wife to cope. Parker Posey has received acclaim for her role as Victoria Ratliff, his self-medicating wife, who seems unaware of her husband's struggles.