Jason Isaacs laughs off Duke University’s criticism of a ‘White Lotus’ scene, calling it ‘fanciful,’ and playfully wears another Duke T-shirt to the finale.
Jason Isaacs isn’t sweating Duke University’s disapproval of his latest project, The White Lotus. In fact, the actor finds the whole brouhaha rather entertaining. Known for his sharp wit and memorable turns in Harry Potter and The Patriot, Isaacs is shrugging off the university’s critique of a key scene in the third season of HBO’s satirical drama with a blend of humor and nonchalance.
The dust-up kicked off over a moment in the show’s sixth episode, where Isaacs’ character, Timothy Ratliff—a Duke alum grappling with personal demons—dons a T-shirt bearing the university’s logo while contemplating suicide. The imagery didn’t sit well with Duke officials, who quickly voiced their displeasure over what they saw as an unauthorized and unflattering use of their brand.
In a statement to The New York Times, Frank Tramble, Duke’s vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs, didn’t mince words. “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,” he said.
Tramble emphasized that the scene “creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists,” a stance that reflects the university’s effort to distance itself from the provocative storyline.
But Isaacs? He’s not buying the outrage. Speaking on the Prestige Junkie podcast, the actor called the situation “faintly amusing” and suggested Duke might be milking the moment for attention. “I don’t like anyone getting upset about anything, but clearly, it was just someone fancying seeing their name online and, in some department, wanting to go viral,” he quipped.
For Isaacs, the university’s reaction feels overblown, especially given the arc of his character—a troubled patriarch who ultimately finds spiritual enlightenment by the season’s end. “Their real-life alumni are such a rogue’s gallery, many of them, that the notion that this rather spiritually enlightened character on television caused them any trouble is fanciful and ridiculous,” he added.
Adding fuel to the fire—or perhaps just a dash of mischief—Isaacs showed up to the White Lotus finale screening event sporting yet another Duke T-shirt, this one featuring the university’s Blue Devil mascot. When pressed about the wardrobe choice, he explained it was partly a practical decision after getting stuck at the Charlotte airport and needing a fresh shirt.
But there was a wink in it too. “I thought it might cause a little bit of mischief,” he admitted with a grin, proving he’s not above poking the bear—or the Blue Devil—in good fun.
The flap has sparked chatter beyond the confines of Durham and Hollywood, shining a light on the tricky dance between entertainment and real-world institutions. Duke’s swift condemnation underscores the sensitivity around brand identity, especially when paired with heavy themes like mental health.
Yet Isaacs’ take highlights the nuance often lost in knee-jerk reactions: Ratliff’s journey isn’t just dark—it’s redemptive. That complexity, he argues, deserves a closer look before judgment is passed.
The incident also nods to the broader tug-of-war over intellectual property in pop culture. Duke’s public pushback may have aimed to protect its image, but it’s also amplified attention on a scene that might otherwise have slipped by unnoticed. Meanwhile, Isaacs remains unfazed, focusing instead on the creative highs of the White Lotus experience.
In a chat with Deadline, he described filming the season as “a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage,” a nod to the wild, collaborative energy behind the scenes.
As the headlines fade, Isaacs’ breezy handling of the situation only bolsters his reputation as a pro who can roll with the punches. For Duke, it’s a reminder that even the most storied institutions can’t always control the narrative when pop culture comes calling.
And for fans, it’s a bonus dose of entertainment—both onscreen and off. Whether the university’s viral moment pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Isaacs is having the last laugh, and he’s doing it in style.
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