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Jason Isaacs Appears to Mock Duke University After Basketball Loss at ‘The White Lotus’ Finale
Actor Jason Isaacs, known for his role in “The White Lotus,” seemingly poked fun at Duke University following a tough weekend for its basketball program. The 61-year-old, who portrays disgraced financier Timothy Ratliff in season 3 of the HBO series, attended the finale celebration on Sunday, April 6, at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village, California.
Actor’s Wardrobe Choice at Finale Party
Celebrating his character’s deep affection for Duke University, Isaacs arrived at the celebratory event sporting a T-shirt featuring the school’s Blue Devil mascot underneath his suit jacket. This wardrobe choice mirrored his character’s attire in “The White Lotus,” where he frequently wore Duke apparel.
Notably, Isaacs’ Duke T-shirt became a viral meme when a scene depicted him pointing a gun to his head while wearing it, generating significant online buzz throughout the series.
Duke University’s Basketball Team Suffers Final Four Defeat
The image of Isaacs in the Duke shirt resurfaced across social media platforms on Saturday, April 5, after Duke’s basketball team experienced a 70-67 defeat against Houston in the Final Four. The Blue Devils, after holding a six-point advantage with only 35 seconds remaining, ultimately lost the game. Duke had previously built a 14-point lead, making it the fifth-largest blown lead in Final Four history.
University Condemns Brand Usage in ‘The White Lotus’
Prior to the basketball team’s loss, Duke University released a public statement expressing disapproval of the unauthorized use of its name in “The White Lotus.”
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Frank Tramble, Duke’s vice president for communications, marketing and public affairs, stated to The New York Times on March 26, “Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling. However, characters prominently displaying apparel with Duke’s federally registered trademarks creates confusion and falsely suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists.”
Tramble further clarified that “The White Lotus” not only uses our brand without authorization, but also employs it in imagery that is, in our view, disturbing, misrepresents our values and identity, and is excessive.”
Duke University has not commented on potential legal actions regarding the show’s portrayal.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign Amidst Controversy
Considering the controversial imagery of Isaacs’ character pointing a firearm at his head while wearing the Duke T-shirt, the university has elected to highlight mental health resources.
“As imagery from the show gains widespread attention across social media,” Tramble explained, “we are leveraging our brand to promote mental health awareness and remind individuals that support is readily available.”
Duke-UNC Rivalry Featured in Series
Within the show’s narrative, Isaacs’ character discovers that his questionable business dealings in North Carolina have been exposed during his family vacation.
The well-known rivalry between Duke and the University of North Carolina, whose campuses are approximately 9 miles apart, is also depicted in “The White Lotus.”
Ratliff’s wife, Victoria (Parker Posey), and daughter, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), are portrayed as alumni of North Carolina, while his son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) is a Duke alumnus. A scene illustrates Victoria attempting to convince the couple’s youngest son, Lochlan (Sam Nivola), to attend her alma mater in Chapel Hill.