Duke objects to use of its branding in 'White Lotus'

Duke University has objected to the use of its branding in the popular HBO show “The White Lotus.”

“White Lotus just blessed us w an all-time meme if Duke loses early in the tournament (and for any brutal Duke loss thereafter),” a user on the social platform X captioned an image of a moment in the show in which actor Jason Issacs’s character, Timothy Ratliff, holds a gun to his head while wearing a Duke shirt.

“Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses. Rivalry is part of March Madness, but some imagery goes too far. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988,” Duke responded to the other post on X.

The New York Times reported that there was no green light given by Duke for its “marks” to be used on “The White Lotus,” according to the school's vice president for communications, marketing and public affairs, Frank Tramble.

“Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling,” said Tramble via email, according to the Times, adding “but characters’ prominently wearing apparel bearing Duke’s federally registered trademarks creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists.”

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found suicides hitting close to the highest level in history in 2023, with over 49,000 deaths by the cause being reported.

"HBO has no comment," a "The White Lotus" spokesperson told The Hill when reached for comment about comments from Tramble in the Times interview and the post on X.