Keeping the School Spirit Alive
The buzz around “The White Lotus” Season 3 may have settled, but Jason Isaacs, at 61, remains committed to representing Timothy Ratliff’s beloved Duke University. This comes despite the institution’s objections to their branded apparel being featured on the show.
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During his appearance on SiriusXM’s “Literally! With Rob Lowe” podcast, the English actor discussed the controversy sparked by the fifth episode. His character, a wealthy financier embroiled in money laundering, dons a Duke T-shirt in a dream sequence where he considers suicide.
Unintended School Support
Isaacs recounted a humorous incident at the Charlotte Airport, which involved the accidental purchase of Duke merchandise. “I was stranded at the airport and needed a shirt. I grabbed one with a devil on it, only later realizing it was Duke apparel,” he chuckled during the series’ Season 3 finale party.
At a recent Virginia convention, fans further fueled his collection of Duke gear. “I’ve ended up with a variety of Duke T-shirts now. I didn’t wear one today, but I plan to whenever I’m in front of the cameras,” Isaacs admitted, hinting at a playful defiance.
With a laugh, he added, “So, sorry Duke, I guess that honorary degree is off the table.”
In the series, his character proudly represents Duke, as does his older son, Saxon. The storyline left viewers curious about whether his younger son, Lachlan, would opt for Duke or UNC Chapel Hill, subtly weaving the university into the show’s narrative.
Behind the Scenes: Choosing the Duke T-Shirt
Isaacs discussed the decision to use a Duke T-shirt for his character with the show’s award-winning costume designer. “I suggested he might wear a Duke T-shirt to bed. He’s likely a high-ranking official and major donor,” Isaacs explained on the podcast.
The “Harry Potter” star emphasized that customary permissions are typically obtained for using such logos on television. “We definitely got it cleared, as you never feature logos without approval,” he stated, addressing the careful handling of branded content.
Controversy Over the Duke Cameo
The appearance of the Duke T-shirt in “The White Lotus” did stir up some disapproval from the university, as it was reportedly used without proper authorization. “Someone at Duke was really upset about the portrayal and association,” Isaacs relayed.
The New York Times quoted Frank Tramble, Duke’s vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs, as saying, “While Duke values artistic expression and storytelling, showcasing our trademarks on characters creates confusion and implies an endorsement that doesn’t exist.”
Isaacs concluded his interview with Lowe by reflecting on the broader reaction, noting, “Others online have commented that there are real-life Duke alumni who pose more of a concern than a fictional one.”
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
