Actor Jason Isaacs’ stay on the HBO series “The White Lotus” has ended, but the drama between him and Duke University over a controversial episode remains. In the sixth episode, Isaacs’ character Timothy Ratliff contemplates suicide while wearing a T-shirt with the university’s logo. The university was not pleased with the publicity, prompting its vice president of communications to condemn the show’s use of the brand.
However, in an ironic twist, Isaacs wore another Duke T-shirt to the series finale screening, this time featuring the school’s mascot. When asked about the feud on a podcast, Isaacs downplayed the controversy, stating that he found it “faintly amusing.” He also poked fun at the university’s reputation for having unconventional alumni.
Despite the initial backlash from students and university officials, some have taken a more laid-back approach to the situation. A Duke sophomore told THR that “it’s never that serious” when it comes to branding on TV shows. The feud highlights the sometimes tense relationships between Hollywood and educational institutions over creative liberties.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jason-isaacs-responds-to-duke-white-lotus-drama-1236187432