Jason Isaacs Vows to Wear Duke T-Shirts Following White Lotus Controversy
A recent episode of the hit HBO series White Lotus sparked controversy after Jason Isaacs’ character, Timothy Ratliff, wore a Duke T-shirt while contemplating suicide. The storyline led the prestigious university to issue a statement, noting that it "does not reflect our values or who we are." According to an article by People, the university’s vice president of communications, marketing and public affairs, Frank Tramble, told The New York Times that the show "not only uses our brand without permission but, in our view, uses it on imagery that is troubling, does not reflect our values or who we are and simply goes too far" (People, 2024).
In response to the backlash, Isaacs has vowed to wear Duke T-shirts "whenever there’s a camera." The actor appeared on SiriusXM’s Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast, where he discussed the controversy surrounding his character’s attire. "I was talking to Alex [Bovaird], the wonderful Emmy-winning costume designer," he said. "I said maybe he wears a Duke t-shirt to sleep in. He’s probably president of something and a fundraiser and all the rest of it" (People, 2024).
Isaacs explained that the costume designer had obtained clearance for the Duke T-shirt, as is standard practice for television productions. The actor noted that the scenes in which his character is "suicidal and even homicidal" are when he’s "wearing my Duke t-shirt because it’s bedtime" (People, 2024).
The controversy led Duke to release a statement, which was reported by The New York Times. Tramble stated that the show’s use of the Duke brand "creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists" (The New York Times, 2024). Isaacs, however, has taken the opportunity to poke fun at the situation. "Hilariously, I was stuck at Charlotte Airport the other day, and my suitcases hadn’t arrived where I was going," he said. "So I bought a t-shirt at the airport with a devil on it, not realizing it was a Duke t-shirt" (People, 2024).
The actor has since received support from fans, including a group from Durham, North Carolina, who drove to Virginia to meet him and bring him Duke T-shirts. "They brought me Duke t-shirts," Isaacs said. "So I now have a selection of Duke t-shirts. I didn’t wear one today. If I’d known I’d have it on now, but I am intending to wear them whenever there’s a camera around" (People, 2024).
Isaacs kicked off the tradition at The White Lotus season 3 finale party on April 6, where he wore a bright blue shirt bearing a Blue Devil, a gray suit, and a yellow pin. The actor joked about the situation, saying "So, sorry, Duke, there goes my honorary degree" (People, 2024).
The incident highlights the complexities of brand representation and artistic expression in television productions. White Lotus is available to stream on Max. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
The controversy surrounding White Lotus has sparked a wider conversation about the use of brand imagery in television productions. As noted by People, the show’s use of the Duke brand without permission has raised questions about the limits of artistic expression and the potential consequences of brand representation.
In conclusion, Jason Isaacs’ decision to wear Duke T-shirts "whenever there’s a camera" has sparked a lighthearted and humorous response to the controversy surrounding White Lotus. As reported by People, the incident has highlighted the complexities of brand representation and artistic expression in television productions.
References:
People. (2024). Jason Isaacs Vows to Wear Duke T-Shirts Following White Lotus Controversy. Retrieved from https://people.com/jason-isaacs-vows-to-wear-duke-t-shirts-following-white-lotus-controversy-11717453
The New York Times. (2024). Duke University Criticizes ‘White Lotus’ Episode Featuring Character in Duke T-Shirt. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/entertainment/white-lotus-duke-t-shirt-controversy.html
