Sylvester Stallone, 77, has been accused of insulting background actors on the set of his series Tulsa King, broadcast on Paramount+. The actors union, SAG-AFTRA, issued a statement noting that such disparaging comments towards background actors would not be tolerated. Despite not being directly contacted regarding the allegations against Stallone, SAG-AFTRA emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of all cast members on productions. While the union does not represent background actors in Atlanta, they are available to provide guidance and support upon request.
In Tulsa King, Stallone plays mafia capo Dwight ‘The General’ Mandfredi, who is on a journey to rebuild a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Claims emerged from a deleted post that Stallone mocked extras on set, referring to them in derogatory terms related to their physical appearance and age. However, the director of the show, Craig Zisk, has denied these allegations, stating that the casting director, Rose Locke, was not present during the alleged incident and had improperly cast the extras for a specific scene. Zisk defended the professionalism of the extras who were on set and said that necessary procedures were followed for casting background actors.
Several background actors who were present during the alleged incident have come forward to share their perspectives. Some claimed they did not witness any unprofessional behavior from Stallone, while others mentioned that certain remarks could have been handled more tactfully. One actor, Thomas Mooneyham, who uses a cane for knee pain, felt targeted, assuming that the derogatory comments were aimed at him. Despite this, he expressed that being replaced in the scene did not bother him, but rather the feeling of being singled out due to his physical condition.
SAG-AFTRA reiterated its stance against disparaging comments on set but clarified that it does not represent background actors in Atlanta, where Tulsa King is filmed. The union offered support and guidance to cast members if requested, aligning with its commitment to upholding a safe and respectful work environment for all performers. Despite the ongoing controversy, the show’s production team, along with the background actors involved, have addressed the issue in a professional manner and are continuing their work on the series. The response from the industry regarding the allegations against Stallone underscores the importance of ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all individuals working on film and television productions.
