SAG-AFTRA responds to allegations of Sylvester Stallone creating a toxic environment for background actors on the set of "Tulsa King," emphasizing the need for a respectful workplace and stating their commitment to the safety and well-being of cast members. Stallone and Paramount have not commented on the allegations, which include disparaging remarks and a casting director's resignation due to a "clear toxic environment." The union offers support and guidance despite not covering background actors in Atlanta under its TV/theatrical agreements.
SAG-AFTRA responds to allegations of Sylvester Stallone making disparaging comments about background actors on the set of Tulsa King, stating that there is no room for such behavior. The casting agency has parted ways with the show, and claims of Stallone mocking the appearance of background actors have surfaced. The director denies the allegations, while a background actor who felt targeted speaks out. The show's producers are investigating the claims as the second season of Tulsa King is underway.
Paramount is investigating claims that Sylvester Stallone allegedly used disparaging language about background actors on the set of "Tulsa King," which streams on Paramount+. The studio is looking into accusations that surfaced on social media, including alleged derogatory remarks and requests for "pretty young girls" to be around him. The director and executive producer of the show denied the insults. The allegations originated from Facebook groups and were made public by a television writer. A casting agency resigned from the show, and the matter is being investigated while production continues for Season 2.
Sylvester Stallone has been accused of creating a "toxic environment" on the set of the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King" in Atlanta, with allegations including making disparaging comments about background actors. The casting director, Rose Locke, reportedly quit the series, and social media posts have amplified the claims. Stallone's representatives have not responded to the allegations, and Paramount+ is said to be aware of the situation.
Sylvester Stallone has been accused of verbally abusing background actors on the set of his Paramount+ show "Tulsa King," leading to a casting agent quitting the production and the studio investigating the claims. The director denies the allegations, stating that the extras were improperly cast, while some background actors claim they didn't observe anything unusual. The show's production has had previous behind-the-scenes drama, and Paramount+ has announced that the director of the show's second season is set to be Craig Zisk.
An Atlanta-based casting agency, Rose Locke Casting, has quit working on the Paramount+ drama "Tulsa King" following allegations that Sylvester Stallone and a director disparaged background actors, calling some "ugly" and making derogatory comments. Stallone allegedly suggested bringing in "pretty young girls" instead. The casting agency announced their departure on Facebook, citing the toxic set environment. The show's production is looking into the matter, and the allegations have circulated among other background actor groups. "Tulsa King" follows a New York mafia capo setting up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.
The tentative deal between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP includes higher minimum wages for background actors and provisions for artificial intelligence (AI) protections. The agreement also outlines a new model for streaming residuals, with the top 20% of shows receiving a 75% increase and the remaining 25% going into a jointly managed fund. The deal will be reviewed by SAG-AFTRA's national board, and more details are expected to be released. Tens of thousands of actors had gone on strike in July after failing to reach a contract agreement with AMPTP.
Esther Cunningham, a 29-year-old background actor, is among the many actors participating in the SAG-AFTRA strike, which began on July 14 after failed negotiations for a new TV and film contract. Cunningham, who has worked on shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Succession," is concerned about the use of AI technology in the industry, as it could potentially replace background actors and limit their opportunities. She emphasizes that her body is her line of work and fears that if it is replaced by body scans, she will have nothing new to offer. Despite the strike, Cunningham has taken on other jobs, such as working as a barista, to make ends meet. She remains committed to fighting for better working conditions for background actors.
Background actors in Hollywood are concerned about being replaced by AI as studios increasingly use body scans and generative AI to create digital replicas of actors. The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike with studios highlights the tension surrounding the use of AI in the industry. While studios claim that digital replicas will only be used for specific projects and with the actor's consent, background actors fear that their likeness could be used indefinitely without compensation. The lack of regulations regarding AI usage in Hollywood has prompted actors and writers to make it a central issue in the strike, as they seek to establish rules for the fair use of AI technology.
The strikes in Hollywood, involving both writers and actors, are about more than just privileged elites. Background actors, who make up the majority of the profession, are facing threats to their livelihoods due to the vanishing of residual payments and the encroachment of artificial intelligence on their jobs. They are also seeking protections against the scanning and digital reuse of their images. This fight reflects the broader risks faced by workers in today's economy, where technological and cultural shifts can lead to exploitation and rewriting of employment terms. The struggle for fair treatment and job security extends beyond Hollywood and affects all workers.
