Sylvester Stallone accused of insulting “ugly” actors on ‘Tulsa King’ set and creating “toxic environment”

Sylvester Stallone has been accused of verbally abusing background actors on his show.

The Rocky star is facing backlash after a casting agency quit his Paramount+ show, Tulsa King, claiming that some actors had been verbally abused by Stallone.

While the claims have not been verified, and the show’s director denies them, there have been several posts made on social media accusing the star.

Last Sunday (April 7), Catrett Locke Casting confirmed on Facebook that it was quitting the project, but without giving a reason for parting.

Another casting group, Charleston SC Background Acts/Crew have also made a statement on Facebook, citing alleged poor treatment and an unprofessional set as a potential reason for Catret Locke’s exit.

The post read: “Several groups are talking about what happened on the set of Tulsa King filming in Atlanta.

“At first I had hoped it was just a bad rumor started by 1 person who may have felt some type of way; but there have been countless people who were on set and have stated what they saw, how they were treated, etc.”

It continued: “Sadly Sly Stallone and crew made things miserable for the background artists and many have said the set was completely unprofessional and a total mess. Although I have not personally worked with Rose Locke & CL Casting…I have great respect for them for pulling out of the project and looking out for their background artists.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, screenshots containing messages and complaints about Stallone have circulated, with Rose Locke allegedly writing: “At the end of the day I resigned because it was a clear toxic environment that I was not comfortable putting myself or background artists in.

“I will finish out this coming week and someone else will take over. I want to apologize for anything you experienced. I would also like you to text me … what you experience, saw or heard, I will be sending the info to HR.”

Another screenshot which may be contributing to the situation involves a Facebook post which read: “While working on TK this week Sylvester Stallone was observed calling the director over and saying ‘what the F* is up with these F**** ugly background [actors].’ He and the director proceeded to call certain people terrible names and laughed at them. ‘Tub of lard,’ ‘fat guy with cane’ and was making fun of their weight and handicaps.”

The post continued: “Sly said, ‘Bring in pretty young girls to be around me.’ Rose Locke has resigned and will finish out this final week to give them the opportunity to find someone else.”

The show’s director, Daniel Zisk, told TMZ that he denies the claims made. According to the outlet, Zisk claimed that no such insults were made, and that Locke improperly cast the background actors.

Zisk reportedly asked Locke to submit headshots of the extras, but she refused saying: “I don’t work that way”, to which he reportedly responded: “That’s the way I work and everyone I know works that way in extras casting.” Zisk claimed that Locke quit an hour later.

At the time of writing, neither Stallone or Locke has commented on the situation, and Locke has not confirmed that the message in the aforementioned screenshot was written by her.

NME has reached out to Stallone’s representatives for comment.

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