SAG-AFTRA Addresses Alleged Comments by Sylvester Stallone on 'Tulsa King' Set

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The actor’s union SAG-AFTRA has responded to Sylvester Stallone's alleged mocking of background actors on the set of his show Tulsa King. The show is currently filming its second season in Atlanta and Oklahoma.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, April 10, a union spokesperson emphasized that there should be no place for disrespectful remarks towards background actors or any performers on any set.

SAG-AFTRA is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all cast members on movie sets, including Tulsa King in Atlanta, even though we have not received direct communication regarding the recent incident.

The announcement was made the day after it was reported that a company in Atlanta decided to part ways with the Paramount+ series. This decision came after allegations that Sylvester Stallone and an unnamed director made derogatory comments about the appearance of background actors, referring to them as "ugly," "tub of lard," and "fat guy with a cane."

Background actor Thomas Mooneyham shared with Deadline on Tuesday, April 9 that he was asked to leave a bar scene to make way for two other actors. He mentioned feeling targeted by certain comments made by someone on set.

Mooneyham expressed his feelings, stating, “What bothers me is that somebody overheard him and the director.” He clarified that the issue was not about his weight, as he was not the only heavyset person present. However, he felt singled out because of remarks like “old tub of lard with the cane,” especially since he was the only one with a cane.

It was reported that Stallone requested production to bring in "pretty girls to be around me" on set. (We have reached out to Stallone's team for comment.)

According to a report from Deadline on Monday, April 8, the allegations originated in a private Facebook group called "Backgrounders - stories from set." The group consists of background actors based in Atlanta who discuss the 'particulars and difficulties' that arise on various sets. (As of Tuesday, April 9, a screenshot of the accusations has been posted on X and has received over 34,000 views).

Tula King executive producer and director Craig Zisk denied that Stallone made inappropriate remarks when speaking to TMZ on Tuesday. He also mentioned that Stallone never expressed a desire to have attractive young women on the show's set, noting that Stallone's wife, Jennifer Flavin, was present during the conversation.

Zisk claimed that the Catrett-Locke Casting company was improperly casting extras by selecting actors older than the specified age range and refusing to provide headshots of the background actors before filming. As a result, the casting company eventually decided to quit.

On Sunday, April 7, Catrett-Locke Casting company announced on their Facebook page that they were parting ways with Tulsa King.

In a statement, they shared, "We wanted to update you on what's happening in our casting world. We have made the decision to part ways with Tulsa King. Our work will be wrapping up next week, with the 12th being our final day. We wish the best to whoever takes over the show and we want to express our gratitude to all the amazing background artists for their ongoing support."

Stallone was enthusiastic about returning to the series before the allegations surfaced. He even made an appearance in a video on the show's official TikTok account. In the crime drama, he portrays Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a mobster who is freed from prison and sent to Oklahoma. The cast also includes Garrett Hedlund, Andrea Savage, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, and Frank Grillo.

Editor's P/S:

The allegations against Sylvester Stall