SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, responded to allegations that Sylvester Stallone made disparaging comments about background actors on the set of Tulsa King. An Atlanta-based company parted ways with the Paramount+ series after Stallone and an unnamed director allegedly made fun of the appearance of background actors, using derogatory terms. One background actor, Thomas Mooneyham, felt singled out when he overheard comments about a “fat guy with a cane,” a description that fit him. Stallone also allegedly requested to have “pretty girls” around him on set.
The allegations against Stallone and the director originated in a private Facebook group where background actors in Atlanta share their experiences on different sets. The producer and director of Tulsa King, Craig Zisk, denied that Stallone had made inappropriate remarks. Zisk claimed that the Catrett-Locke Casting company improperly cast extras by selecting actors older than the requested age range and refusing to submit headshots of background actors before shooting. As a result, the casting company decided to quit working on the show.
Following the controversy, the Catrett-Locke Casting company announced their decision to part ways with Tulsa King, thanking the background artists for their support and wishing the show well with whoever takes over the casting duties. Stallone had previously been excited to return to the series and had appeared in a video on the show’s official TikTok account. In Tulsa King, he portrays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a mobster who is released from prison and exiled to Oklahoma. The cast also includes Garrett Hedlund, Andrea Savage, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, and Frank Grillo.
SAG-AFTRA reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of all performers on sets, emphasizing that there is no place for disparaging comments towards background actors or any performers. One background actor felt singled out after allegedly hearing derogatory remarks about him being overweight and using a cane. The allegations against Stallone and the director were brought to light by a group of background actors in Atlanta discussing their experiences on various sets. The producer and director of Tulsa King denied the inappropriate remarks and claimed that the casting company quit due to improper casting practices.
Despite the controversy surrounding the allegations, Stallone had shown excitement about returning to Tulsa King, playing a key role in the crime drama series. The actor had even appeared in promotional videos for the show, showcasing his character as a mobster released from prison. The casting company’s decision to part ways with the series was made public, with a statement thanking the background artists for their support and well-wishes for the future of the show. The situation highlighted the importance of respectful and professional behavior towards all performers, regardless of their role in a production.
