The Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry is considered one of the most exciting in college sports. The two universities have been competing since 1920, creating a rich history within the college hoops scene.

In the latest season of HBO’s popular series, The White Lotus, two characters from these institutions are featured prominently. Timothy Ratliff (played by Jason Isaacs) is depicted as a Duke alumnus, while his spouse, Victoria (played by Parker Posey), graduated from North Carolina.

However, Duke University has voiced its dissatisfaction with the portrayal of its brand in the show, citing concerning scenes featuring Timothy, who appears in a Duke shirt reflecting on dark thoughts of suicide and murder-suicide. This portrayal raises questions about the institution’s values and its image. According to Frank Tramble, Duke’s Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs, “The White Lotus not only utilizes our brand without authorization, but it also employs it in ways that are distressing and misaligned with our principles. Suicide is a serious issue among college campuses, and we aim to promote mental health awareness through our branding.”

Duke’s concerns come as clips from these scenes circulate widely on social media, particularly during the NCAA Tournament, where both the men’s and women’s teams are competing for a chance at the championship.