Sylvester Stallone Under Fire For Alleged Treatment Of Actors
An Atlanta-based casting company, Rose Locke Casting, has withdrawn from the second season of the Paramount+ crime drama series Tulsa King. The decision follows accusations that Sylvester Stallone and an unnamed director made derogatory remarks about some of the show’s background actors.
Stallone Accused Of Disparaging Background Actors
The working environment on Tulsa King quickly became a topic of discussion on a private Facebook group for background actors in Atlanta. Sylvester Stallone and the unidentified director were alleged to have labeled some of the extras as “ugly,” a “tub of lard,” and a “fat guy with a cane.” The recipient of the latter remark said that being described in such a manner while on set “hurt his soul.”
Requested Only Pretty Young Girls On Set
It is alleged that Sylvester Stallone then asked production to “bring in ‘pretty young girls to be around me,’ instead.” Rose Locke Casting responded to the claims with an announcement on its Facebook page, stating that the company has chosen to part ways with Tulsa King. “The 12th [of April] will be our last day. We send well wishes to whoever takes over the show,” the statement read.
In a separate comment shared among background actors on the private Facebook page, Locke encouraged her clients to speak up if they witnessed or experienced anything on Tulsa King’s “toxic” set. The message and complaints about Sylvester Stallone’s behavior were circulated in an X post by writer Julie Benson, who has no affiliation with the Paramount+ drama.
Sylvester Stallone Remains Silent
A source close to the Sylvester Stallone show revealed they had recently become aware of the social media posts. They are currently investigating the matter as the series strives to match scenes from the previous season. The allegations regarding the conduct on the set of Tulsa King have circulated among other Facebook pages for background actors.
Sylvester Stallone’s Issues With Actors Stems Back Decades
Sylvester Stallone’s interactions with co-stars on set have been marked by positive and negative incidents over the years. One notable conflict was with Richard Gere while filming 1974’s The Lords of Flatbush. The pair’s rivalry escalated to a physical altercation, with Stallone reportedly elbowing Gere in the head and throwing him out of a car after a mustard spill. Gere was let go from the film.
Additionally, there was a publicized feud between Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren regarding a movie spinoff centered on Lundgren’s Rocky IV character, Drago. Stallone expressed his displeasure with the decision, criticizing the producers and Lundgren for not involving him in the project, causing tension and hurt feelings between the two actors.
Tulsa King
While these incidents highlight conflicts, it’s essential to note that not all interactions have been negative. Sylvester Stallone has worked closely with various co-stars and crew members to create iconic films. The outcome of the Tulsa King investigation will likely draw interest across the entertainment industry.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, Tulsa King marks Sylvester Stallone’s first leading role in a scripted television series. The story follows Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone), a former New York mafia leader. After spending 25 years in prison, he is tasked with setting up a new criminal organization in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Along with Sylvester Stallone, the series also stars Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, A.C. Peterson, Garrett Hedlund, and Dana Delany. Although Tulsa King scored high ratings on Paramount Network, the series received mixed reviews from critics.
Source: Deadline