Rose Locke Casting, an Atlanta-based casting agency, has terminated its association with the Paramount+ drama Tulsa King.
This decision follows allegations that series lead Sylvester Stallone and an unidentified director made derogatory comments about background actors.
The agency was initially hired to scout for actors aged 18 and above for the show’s second season.
However, the working conditions on the Tulsa King set sparked controversy on a private Facebook page for background actors based out of Atlanta.
Controversial remarks
‘Ugly,’ ‘tub of lard’: Allegations of derogatory comments surfaced
Per posts on the Facebook page, Stallone and the unnamed director allegedly made derogatory comments toward extras, using terms such as “ugly,” “tub of lard,” and “fat guy with a cane.”
The individual who received the last comment reportedly expressed that it “hurt his soul” to hear himself described in such a manner.
Stallone also apparently suggested that production should hire “pretty young girls to be around me.”
Agency exit
Casting agency’s decision to part ways from ‘Tulsa King’
Following the controversy, the casting agency announced its departure from the show through a Facebook post on Sunday (local time).
The post read: “We have chosen to part ways with Tulsa King. We will be finishing up next week and the 12th will be our last day. We send well wishes to whoever takes over the show. We thank all of you great background artists for your continued support.”
Investigation initiated
Locke urged clients to voice concerns; investigation underway
In a separate comment on the aforementioned private Facebook page, Locke encouraged her clients to voice their concerns if they encountered any issues on Tulsa King’s “toxic” set.
Comments and grievances regarding Stallone’s behavior were brought to light in a tweet by Hollywood writer Julie Benson, who has no affiliation with the show.
A source close to the series revealed that they only recently learned about these social media posts and are currently investigating the situation.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Benson’s post
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. pic.twitter.com/aUEDpKtKUh — Julie Benson (@TheJulieBenson) April 8, 2024
About the show
Meanwhile, learn more about the show, ‘Tulsa King’
In its debut season in 2022, Tulsa King captivated audiences with the gripping tale of New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone).
After 25 years in prison, he finds himself exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, by his boss. Suspicious of his family’s intentions, Dwight recruits an unlikely crew to establish a new criminal empire in this unfamiliar territory.
Created and executive-produced by Taylor Sheridan, the show received a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award nomination in 2023.