The guests checked out of The White Lotus Thailand nearly a week ago. However, the row of controversies does not really slow down for a minute. Although Mike White is no stranger to the conflicting tendency that accompanies each and every season, this time, the context of the chaos is not something the viewers expected. Following the end of The White Lotus season 3, the show has come under scrutiny, especially over a Duke University reference.

While countless debates and discussions have circled The White Lotus’ latest installment, what is the story of the Duke University dispute?

Timothy Ratliff in The White Lotus season 3 was embroiled in a shady financial deal, which left him dependent on an anti-anxiety medication and in a state of disorientation. Later, he stole a handgun from Gaitok, the resort security guard. In a scene, Mr. Ratliff seemed to contemplate taking his own life, ironically clad in a Duke University t-shirt. Frank Tramble, the vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs at Duke, said in an email that the university did not approve of the use of its “trademarks.” (via The New York Times)

Mr. Tramble clarified that the university appreciates creative artistic outlets and forms of expression. However, the characters donning apparel emblazoned with Duke’s “federally registered trademarks” confuse viewers, suggesting an “endorsement or affiliation where none exists.” He continued that The White Lotus uses the logo without permission, that too within an imagery or space that is “troubling.” According to Mr. Tramble, the imagery from their perspective “does not reflect our values or who we are, and simply goes too far.” 

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While Duke’s officials may not agree with The White Lotus with the use of their logo on the show, the jurisdiction is most likely on HBO’s front, as per experts.

According to The New York Times, citing Jeanne Fromer, a professor specializing in intellectual property rights at the New York University School of L--, said trademark rights are about “protecting businesses.” For instance, if someone opens a school and names it “Duke University,” that would be a violation. However, in the case of The White Lotus, such a thing never materialized. 

In fact, artists are granted “strong protection under the First Amendment,” allowing them to use popular trademarks for creative or artistic expressions. Although this is not the first White Lotus controversy Jason Isaacs has encountered, Professor Fromer believes Duke is gaining more attention to it in its quest for dissociation. David Olsen, an associate professor at Boston College L-- School, confirmed that the use of these trademarks in fictional settings for cultural commentary “enjoys wide legal latitude.”

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What do you think of The White Lotus vs. Duke University controversy? Let us know in the comments below!