Shorena Tedliashvili / Shutterstock.com PHOTO: HBO/White Lotus screen grab PHOTO: https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/starbucks-and-peanuts- unveil-exclusive-snoopy-persona-joe-kind-snoopy-with-new-merch 4. Starbucks Brews Up Global Merch Collab With ‘Peanuts’ 3. Duke Denounces Use Of School Merch In ‘The White Lotus’ Duke University had a major problem with HBO’s hit series The White Lotus for including the college’s merch in a controversial scene. The disputed scene appears in the fifth episode of the show’s third season, which aired in mid-March. The character, Timothy Ratliff, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, contemplates murdering his wife before committing suicide to escape the fallout from his criminal acts being investigated by the FBI. The problem? In that scene, Ratliff, a Duke alum, wears a Duke T-shirt while holding a gun to his head. With the episode airing in the midst of March Madness (Duke made it to the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament), this scene immediately went viral, leading to online jokes and memes at Duke’s expense, much to the university’s chagrin. Frank Tramble, vice president of communications, marketing and public affairs at Duke, decried the use of the school’s merch in the scene, saying that it had “gone too far.” “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,” Tramble said, showing displeasure at the show’s depiction of suicide. Tramble said that while Duke respects artistic freedom and storytelling, the university’s concern is that HBO’s use of the school’s federally registered trademarks could cause White Lotus viewers to think Duke is affiliated with or endorses the series. Under the First Amendment, artists can legally use trademarks or logos in creative works and productions.. Starbucks stores in more than 80% of the coffee chain’s worldwide market introduced an exclusive line of Peanutsinspired merchandise, beverages and food items. This fun collaboration featured the beloved comic strip characters and Joe Kind Snoopy, a Snoopy persona only available at Starbucks that encourages people to connect through simple, everyday acts of kindness. For a limited time in participating stores across the U.S. and Canada, fans grabbed mugs, stainless steel tumblers and cold cups featuring the Peanuts gang retailing for $17.95 to $29.95. • The 24 oz. Peanuts Love Cold Cup, with double-wall construction and a flat lid with a straw, sports Joe Kind Snoopy listening to his best bird friend Woodstock relate a story in bird language. • The 14-oz. Peanuts Friendship Ceramic Mug, with a light matte finish, features the entire Peanuts gang having fun together. • The 16 oz. Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Stainless Steel Tumbler showcases Joe Kind Snoopy and Woodstock soaking up all the good vibes and love surrounding them. The mattefinish tumbler, which keeps drinks hot for 90 minutes and cold for four hours, has doublewall vacuum insulation, a spill-resistant flip lid and a tapered body for a comfortable grip. PPAI • JUNE 2025 • 85 Buzzworthy | Community
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