Sylvester Stallone Accused of Creating Toxic Working Environment on Set of Paramount+ Show 'Tulsa King'
ICARO Media Group
Claims have emerged that Stallone made cruel remarks about background actors, leading to the departure of the show's casting director, Rose Locke.
Tulsa King, currently filming its second season in Atlanta, follows Stallone's character, mafia capo Dwight 'The General' Mandfredi, as he builds a new criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving a 25-year prison sentence. However, behind the scenes, disturbing allegations against Stallone have shaken the production.
The accusations came to light through a now-deleted post by TV writer Julie Benson, who disclosed information from her friend working as an extra on Tulsa King. According to the post, Stallone was overheard berating background actors, referring to them as "ugly" and "fat." The actor reportedly went on to make disrespectful remarks, including derogatory comments about their weight and physical appearances.
Additional claims in the post alleged that Stallone insisted on having "pretty young girls" around him, raising further concerns about his behavior on set. Another background actor shared their experience on the CL Casting Facebook page, detailing how Stallone's dissatisfaction with the actors' appearance led to a replacement of older extras with younger ones.
Rose Locke, the casting director of Tulsa King, has since resigned from the series. A Facebook post by Rose Locke Casting announced their departure from the show, emphasizing the importance of standing against disrespect in the industry.
In response to these allegations, director and executive producer Craig Zisk denied the claims and stated that Locke had improperly cast the extras. Zisk explained that the intended vision for the scene called for a youthful atmosphere but that the extras chosen were considerably older. Despite this, he affirmed that the actors were professional and accomplished their roles effectively.
Others who were present on set during the alleged incident have come forward, with some denying any knowledge of Stallone's inappropriate behavior. Some extras mentioned that while there may have been remarks made, they believed they were part of the normal challenges of working on a set.
The accusations against Sylvester Stallone have generated significant attention, prompting inquiries from media outlets. DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Stallone and Paramount+ for their comments on the matter.
As the investigation into these allegations unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the production of Tulsa King and Stallone's reputation in the industry. The calls for accountability and a respectful working environment continue to resonate among both cast and crew in the entertainment industry.