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Private research institution, Duke University, is unhappy with how the American television series, The White Lotus, has portrayed their university apparel. In the dark comedy drama anthology, two characters are playing Duke alumni: Timothy Ratliff and Saxon Ratliff. The two characters have the relationship of father and son in the show.
In a recent statement provided by Duke University to NBC News, the institution wants the show to remove all Duke-related wardrobe from the series. Frank Tramble, who is the vice president of Duke's communications, marketing, and public affairs, said:
"Duke University did not approve the use of its marks in The White Lotus... 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." - he states.
Why did Duke University not approve The White Lotus to use its apparel?
An Instagram account by the username @diet_prada, posted the same news with more statements from Duke's VP for communications, marketing, and public affairs. Tramble explains,
"The White Lotus 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" - Duke's VP for communications, marketing, and public affairs elaborated.
The reason why Duke University does not approve of the show using its wardrobe came after one scene featuring Timothy Ratcliff. The role of Ratcliff is played by an English actor, Jason Isaacs. In the scene, he is contemplating offing himself as well as planning a m**der su**ide. Ratcliff is seen wearing a shirt with the DUKE logo on it.
While the university itself does not believe that the American television series should be using any of their apparel as clothing in the show, numerous alumni have expressed that they had no issues with it.
How did netizens, including alumni, respond to Duke University calling out The White Lotus?
The majority of the netizens did not go too deep into criticizing the American television series for using clothing from the North Carolina university. One alum has expressed,
"As a Duke alum I really wish the university understood that White Lotus is the best free press they could ever want" - @wynnwygal said.
Another expressed,
"Among other things, I think it’s exactly this type of upper crust self-seriousness they’re satirizing on the show." - @troydistelrath.bsky.social stated.
These are some of the thoughts from netizens:
"I wouldn't have put much thought about the connection until Duke doth protest too much, methinks" - @dalton.does.it wrote.
"I went to Duke and over privileged bros vibes are very on point." - @instagramsbypam pointed out.
"A college viewing itself as a brand is exactly what is wrong w americas higher ed system in a perfect nutshell" - @cmeowb commented.
Duke completely disagreed with how their image is being portrayed by concluding their statement by saying,
"The White Lotus 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... Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on college campuses. As imagery from the show is being shared widely across social media, we are using our brand to promote mental health awareness and remind people that help is available".
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