**Duke University Expresses Displeasure Over Portrayal in “The White Lotus” Season 3**
The third season of HBO’s *The White Lotus* has sparked controversy, but not just for its provocative storylines. Duke University has voiced its dissatisfaction with the show’s depiction of two characters as alumni of the prestigious institution.
The Ratliff family, central to the season’s drama, includes father Timothy (Jason Isaacs) and son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), both identified as Duke graduates. The show’s narrative takes a dark turn as Timothy, under FBI investigation for money laundering, contemplates suicide while wearing a Duke-branded T-shirt. Meanwhile, Saxon and his younger brother engage in a taboo relationship, further complicating the family’s troubled dynamic.
Duke University’s Vice President for Communications, Frank Tramble, criticized the unauthorized use of the school’s branding, particularly in scenes involving suicide. “The White Lotus not only uses our brand without permission but does so in a manner that contradicts our values,” Tramble stated. He emphasized the seriousness of mental health issues, noting that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students.
The university has used the attention to promote mental health resources, urging those in need to seek help. However, legal experts suggest Duke may have limited recourse, as artistic expression is protected under the First Amendment.
This isn’t the first time a brand has clashed with a TV show. Peloton previously objected to a character’s death in *And Just Like That…*, while Pepperdine University sued Netflix and Warner Bros over trademark usage in *Running Point*—a case the studios ultimately won.
As *The White Lotus* continues to push boundaries, Duke’s response highlights the tension between creative storytelling and institutional reputation.