Paramount investigating claims Sylvester Stallone allegedly used disparaging language on ‘Tulsa King’ set

Paramount is investigating claims Sylvester Stallone used derogatory language about background actors on the set of “King of Tulsa”, which is streaming on Paramount+, sources told CNN.

The studio is investigating allegations that first emerged on social media, in which Stallone was accused of calling some performers working as extras on the set of the TV series “ugly,” a “pot of lard” and “fat guy with a cane”. » according to two sources close to the show.

“Bring some pretty young girls to my side,” Stallone was accused of being heard telling the “Tulsa King” director in another social media post about filming.

Both production sources told CNN that no official complaints have been filed against Stallone or the director. Human resources staff became aware of the accusations contained in the social media posts, the individuals said.

Craig Zisk, director and executive producer of “Tulsa King,” told TMZ “no such insult was thrown.”

CNN has contacted representatives for Stallone and Zisk.

The social media posts detailing the allegations appear to originate from Facebook groups about the background actors’ experiences on the set of “Tulsa King,” but were made more widely public when purported screenshots were shared on, formerly known as Twitter, from television writer Julie Benson. Although she doesn’t work on “Tulsa King,” Benson said she heard about the allegations from a friend who works as a background actor on the show.

On Locke, who reportedly wrote: “I resigned because it was clearly a toxic message. environment that I wasn’t comfortable inserting myself or the background artists into.

The sources also told CNN that a casting agency had resigned from the TV show.

A Facebook post on the official page of Locke’s company, Catrett Locke Casting, confirmed that she had “chosen to part ways” with “Tulsa King,” although it did not specify why.

A source close to the production of both seasons of “Tulsa King” told CNN that producers were looking to match the same tone and feel as the background actors featured in the show’s first season and the new cast for the second season were not what the director had asked for. of the casting. The director asked the casting agent to send photos of the background actors, the individual added, leading to a rift and eventual resignation from the casting company.

Additionally, some background actors were asking to take photos with Stallone on set, this production source added.

The matter is currently being investigated through interviews with cast and crew as production continues, according to the two sources familiar with the current situation. Cameras recently began rolling on Season 2 of “Tulsa King” and the investigation does not change production plans, a source said.

Stallone and the director continue to work as planned.

A production source told CNN that Paramount prides itself on having a “fair and respectful workplace.” The other source, also close to the investigation, said the matter was being taken seriously to ensure everyone felt safe at work and was happy on set.

CNN contacted SAG-AFTRA, which represents the background actors, to ask if the union has been informed of — or is investigating — any of the allegations regarding “Tulsa King.” A representative for CSA, the nonprofit Casting Society that represents more than 1,000 professionals in the casting field, told CNN that casting directors of background actors are not covered by its members.

101 Studios, the production company behind Paramount’s mega-hit “Yellowstone,” is producing “Tulsa King” with Paramount-owned MTV Entertainment Studios.

CNN has contacted representatives of 101 Studios and Paramount for comment.

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