Atlanta Casting Agency Parts Ways with 'Tulsa King' Amid Allegations Against Sylvester Stallone
In a recent turn of events that has caught the attention of the entertainment industry, Rose Locke Casting, an Atlanta-based casting company, has terminated its association with the Paramount+ drama, 'Tulsa King'. This decision comes in the wake of allegations against the show's star, Sylvester Stallone, and an unidentified director, accusing them of making derogatory remarks towards some background actors on set.
Rose Locke Casting, tasked with recruiting actors aged 18 and over for the show's second season, has decided to distance itself from the series following a surge of complaints that emerged on a private Facebook page dedicated to Atlanta-based background actors. The controversy centers around Stallone and the director's alleged verbal disparagements, referring to some extras with pejorative terms such as “ugly,” “tub of lard,” and “fat guy with cane.” One actor affected by these comments expressed that the remarks deeply wounded him, stating that hearing himself described in such a manner “hurt his soul.”
Further compounding the situation, Stallone is reported to have suggested that the production should focus on bringing in “pretty young girls to be around me,” which has only added fuel to the fire regarding the alleged toxicity on the 'Tulsa King' set.
In response to these allegations, Rose Locke Casting publicly announced its withdrawal from the series via a Facebook post. The announcement conveyed a sense of finality to their involvement, stating that their last day working on the series would be the upcoming 12th. While expressing gratitude towards the background artists for their support, the agency also wished well to whoever would take over the casting responsibilities for the show moving forward.
Further emphasizing the alleged adverse working conditions, Locke encouraged actors who had experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior on the 'Tulsa King' set to come forward, labeling the environment as “toxic.” This call to action was widely circulated among the background actor community, gaining traction when writer Julie Benson, unaffiliated with 'Tulsa King', shared the grievances aired by the actors in a tweet.
As the allegations continue to spread across social media platforms and various Facebook groups dedicated to background actors, the situation has drawn comments from figures like Dee Dee McDaniel Simmons from South Carolina. She noted that the discourse surrounding the show's on-set culture had transcended mere rumors, with numerous individuals corroborating stories of unprofessionalism and mistreatment by Stallone and his team.
'Tulsa King' follows the story of Dwight “The General” Manfredi (played by Stallone), a New York mafia capo who, after serving 25 years in prison, is sent by his boss to establish a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show, celebrated for its exploration of redemption and reinvention, is a creation of Taylor Sheridan, with a production team that includes notable figures like Craig Zisk, Terence Winter, and Stallone himself among others.
The unfolding controversy has prompted those close to the production to take the allegations seriously, with statements indicating an ongoing investigation into the claims made on social media. As 'Tulsa King' strives to replicate its previous season's success, the current allegations cast a shadow over the series, highlighting the importance of a respectful and professional environment in the production of entertainment content.