Jason Isaacs Escalates Duke University Dispute with Public Remarks and Apparel Choice

The actor dismissed Duke's complaint over The White Lotus branding as 'fanciful and ridiculous,' while the university continues to advocate for mental health awareness.

Duke University criticized HBO's The White Lotus for using its branding without permission in a scene involving suicide imagery, calling it troubling and misaligned with the school's values.
Actor Jason Isaacs, who wore a Duke t-shirt during the controversial scene, further stirred the debate by wearing Duke apparel at the show's season finale event.
Isaacs described the university's backlash as 'fanciful and ridiculous,' suggesting it was an overreaction aimed at gaining viral attention.
The controversy gained traction on social media during NCAA March Madness, with memes using the episode's imagery prompting Duke to reiterate its focus on mental health advocacy.
Duke University has used the incident to highlight the prevalence of suicide on college campuses and promote resources like the Suicide Prevention Hotline.