SAG-AFTRA Responds to ‘Tulsa King’ Allegations: ‘There Is No Room on Any Set for Disparaging Comments’
SAG-AFTRA has responded to the allegations that “Tulsa King” star Sylvester Stallone created a “toxic environment” for background actors on the Atlanta set of the Paramount+ series.
“There is no room on any set for disparaging comments to background actors or any performers,” a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson said in a statement. “Though we have not been contacted directly about the incident on set of ‘Tulsa King’ in Atlanta, SAG-AFTRA is committed to the safety and well being of cast members on all productions.”
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The statement also noted that SAG-AFTRA’s “TV/theatrical agreements do not cover background actors in Atlanta,” but the union is “here to support with guidance if requested.”
A source close to production says that the matter has been addressed on set by department heads, with an emphasis being put on the need for a respectful workplace. Stallone hasn’t commented, and a Paramount spokesperson didn’t respond to Variety‘s request for comment about the statement from SAG-AFTRA.
On Monday, TV writer Julie Benson, who is not affiliated with “Tulsa King,” posted screenshots on X/Twitter and wrote: “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.”
One screenshot contained a Facebook post with a blurred user name that stated, “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. Sly said, ‘Bring in pretty young girls to be around me.’”
The other screenshot featured what appeared to be an email message from Rose Locke, a casting director on “Tulsa King,” who wrote that she had visited the set after being “informed of certain things.” She ultimately resigned because it was a “clear toxic environment that I was not comfortable putting myself or background artists in.”
“Tulsa King,” which was created by “Yellowstone” showrunner Taylor Sheridan, is currently filming its second season in Atlanta. Season 1 of “Tulsa King,” which premiered in November 2022, was filmed in Oklahoma where the show is set.
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