- Sylvester Stallone is a cinematic icon
- He is being accused of a toxic work environment
- Stallone's team is quick to react
Where there is smoke there is usually a fire. An Atlanta-based casting agency has severed ties with the production, sparking a wave of controversy and claims of a toxic environment. This article dives into the allegations, the responses, and the impact on the show's future.
The Accusations Fly
The drama unfolded when Catrett Locke Casting, a reputable Atlanta-based agency, announced its departure from 'Tulsa King' amidst swirling allegations of mistreatment of background actors by none other than Sylvester Stallone himself.
The internet buzzed with screenshots and testimonies claiming the star created a hostile environment, hurling insults and demanding a younger, more aesthetically pleasing crowd.
Screenshots shared by TV writer Julie Benson painted a grim picture of the on-set atmosphere. Allegations ranged from Stallone criticizing the physical appearance of extras to fostering an overall toxic environment.
On April 8, she posted two screenshots on X and wrote: "Got this disturbing news from my Atlanta friend who’s background on Tulsa King this wk. Casting agent quit because she was so disgusted. My friend is feeling anxious about working now.@TheSlyStallone what do you have to say for yourself, sir? Beyond disappointed, I’m livid."
The screenshots contained a Facebook post with a blurred user name, recounting an allegation that Stallone was heard saying to the show’s director "What the F*** is happening with these F****** ugly background,” meaning the extras in a scene. It went on to say, "He and the director proceeded to call certain people terrible names and laughed at them," giving specifics. And then, "Sly said, ‘Bring in pretty young girls to be around me.'"
The Facebook post said that Locke, who has a long list of credits as an extras casting director, has resigned from the show, and that the background actors “all need to stand together” in order to “show this production we don’t support this kind of disrespect in GA.”
One particularly shocking claim involved Stallone demanding "pretty young girls" to be brought to him, sidelining those he deemed unattractive.
Craig Zisk, the director at the helm, has vehemently denied these allegations, attributing the controversy to a casting mishap. According to Zisk, the misunderstanding stemmed from a discrepancy in the casting brief, which called for "young and hip" extras, leading to a clash when a more diverse group showed up.
Zisk insists that despite the mix-up, the background actors were treated with respect.
While the accusations have certainly stirred the pot, not all background actors share the same sentiment. Several have come forward to describe their experiences as nothing out of the ordinary, pointing to the possibility of a misinterpretation or exaggeration of events.
As the story continues to evolve, Paramount+ and the Tulsa King production team are investigating the claims, emphasizing their commitment to a respectful and fair workplace.
Meanwhile, the show, which follows a mobster's quest to establish a new empire in Oklahoma, faces a cloud of uncertainty as it enters its second season.
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The controversy surrounding Tulsa King and Sylvester Stallone has certainly shaken the entertainment world. With investigations ongoing and the production team working to clear the air, fans and critics alike are left wondering about the true nature of events on set.
As Tulsa King prepares for its next chapter, all eyes will be on how the show navigates these turbulent waters.
