The third series of The White Lotus has been the most controversial so far, with the twisted incestuous storylines and graphic sex scenes shocking viewers and receiving backlash. One American university, however, has got a real problem with the Sky show.
Duke University, a prestigious private research institution in North Carolina, featured on the programme when Jason Isaacs’ character Timothy Ratliff – a Duke alumni – wears a T-shirt bearing the uni’s name as he contemplates murder-suicide of his family in the sixth episode. Tim’s desperation came after he found out that he is being investigated by the FBI back in the US for alleged financial crimes while on holiday with his family at the iconic hotel in Thailand.
The university’s vice president for communications, marketing and public affairs Frank Tramble said that they did not approve of their inclusion.
‘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. The White Lotus 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.’
The scene – which aired before the start of the March Madness basketball tournament, where Duke’s Blue Devils team are the Number One seed backed to win – soon sparked viral memes, with fans who joked that’s how supporters would feel if their team lost. One online commenter posted, ‘White Lotus just blessed us w an all-time meme if Duke loses early in the tournament (and for any brutal Duke loss thereafter).’
Tramble went on to say that being featured in a scene about suicide – when suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses – was insensitive. ‘As imagery from the show is being shared widely across social media, we are using our brand to promote mental health awareness and remind people that help is available,’ he added.
Isaacs’ character also courted controversy when he appeared nude in the third episode of the series. And with two more episodes of The White Lotus have yet to air, who knows what other controversial moments it will serve up?
Shereen Low is a senior news and entertainment writer at Grazia, and lives and loves all things showbiz