3 sources·Entertainment

Duke University Criticizes HBO's 'The White Lotus' for Controversial Scene Featuring Its Branding

Duke University officials condemn HBO's 'The White Lotus' for using the school's trademark in a troubling context without permission, sparking backlash and mental health discussions.

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  1. Duke University saw that 'White Lotus' episode – and they're not happy about it

    Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling, but characters prominently wearing apparel bearing Duke's federally registered trademarks creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists.

    Duke University saw that 'White Lotus' episode – and they're not happy about it

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  1. USA TODAY
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Updated: Mar 27th, 2025, 5:49 PM ET

Summary

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Duke University has expressed dissatisfaction with HBO's 'The White Lotus' for including a scene where a main character contemplates suicide while wearing Duke apparel. Officials state that the show's portrayal misuses the university's branding and does not reflect its values. The backlash comes as Duke aims to promote mental health awareness, emphasizing that suicide is a significant concern on college campuses. The university noted that the scene creates confusion about endorsement, as imagery from the show spreads broadly on social media. Duke encourages support for mental health resources amid the controversy.

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  • The third season of 'The White Lotus' includes a controversial scene featuring a Duke University alum, Timothy Ratliff, grappling with deep personal crises while wearing a Duke t-shirt, sparking backlash from the university.

  • Duke University officials assert that the use of their branding in a context involving a potential murder-suicide is inappropriate, as it may create confusion regarding endorsement by the university, especially given the serious issue of suicide on college campuses.

  • The backlash coincides with Duke's participation in the NCAA tournament, leading the university to promote mental health resources in light of the show's imagery circulating on social media.

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Duke University Criticizes HBO's 'The White Lotus' for Controversial Scene Featuring Its Branding - Pano News