Jason Isaacs Fires Back at Duke Over T-Shirt Uproar: “It’s All Just a Bit Ridiculous”
Jason Isaacs is no stranger to playing bold characters — and apparently, that same energy carries over into real life. The White Lotus star stirred up playful controversy after appearing in Season 3 of the hit HBO show wearing a Duke University T-shirt during a murder-suicide dream sequence. But what started as an innocent wardrobe choice quickly became headline fodder when Duke University voiced strong objections to the scene.
According to the university, the use of their logo was unauthorized and inappropriate. “Not only does [The White Lotus] use our brand without permission,” said Frank Tramble, Duke’s VP of communications, “but it also portrays it in troubling imagery that doesn’t reflect our values.” The statement made waves online, drawing reactions from fans, critics, and of course, Isaacs himself.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Isaacs leaned into the drama by wearing the same Duke shirt again — this time on purpose — to The White Lotus Season 3 finale event. Speaking on the Prestige Junkie podcast, he explained the origins of the original outfit: “I bought the t-shirt because the airline canceled my flight and lost my bags. It was literally the only thing I could find at the Charlotte Airport.”
But even more than convenience, Isaacs admitted there was a little intent behind the mischief. “I also thought it might cause a little bit of fun. I mean, the whole thing was faintly amusing. Clearly, someone just wanted to see their name online and go viral.”
He didn’t hold back when commenting on the reaction from Duke: “Their real-life alumni are such a rogue’s gallery, many of them, that the notion that one of the spiritually enlightened characters on TV could cause them trouble is… fanciful and ridiculous.”
The moment has sparked a broader conversation about branding, satire, and just how seriously institutions take their reputations — especially when portrayed in fictional television. But if you ask Isaacs, it’s all part of the fun.