Sylvester Stallone defended his daughter Scarlet’s “Tulsa King” casting after critics accused the show of nepotism, arguing that giving his children opportunities is simply what good parents do. Stallone, 80, made the comments in response to backlash over Scarlet Rose Stallone, 24, joining the crime drama’s cast.
“Oh please, you’re not a good parent if you haven’t performed a little nepotism. Then obviously you don’t care about your kids, because they come first,” Stallone said, according to Page Six. “Of course it’s nepotism, you idiot. That’s why we’re parents. We want the best for our children. So obviously we let them have every advantage.”
What Stallone Said About The Nepotism Criticism
Stallone did not dispute that his daughter benefited from his influence in the industry. Instead, he framed it as a natural extension of parenting, telling Page Six that securing an opportunity is not the same as earning long-term success.
“Can they maintain that level of excellence? That’s out of our hands,” Stallone said, suggesting that while he opened a door for Scarlet, her staying power on the show depends on her own performance.
Scarlet’s Role In “Tulsa King”
Scarlet Rose Stallone plays a character named Spencer in “Tulsa King,” the crime drama where her father stars as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mobster who builds a criminal operation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after years in prison. She debuted in Season 1 and is set for a bigger role in Season 4, with her character becoming more involved in the family’s criminal operation, according to Page Six.
Sylvester Stallone shares three daughters with his wife, Jennifer Flavin: Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet. Scarlet is the only one of the three who has joined the “Tulsa King” cast.
Background On The Nepotism Debate
The specific critics who raised the nepotism accusations were not named in Stallone’s comments, and the timing of when that criticism first surfaced was not detailed. Stallone’s response focused on the broader principle of parents helping their children rather than addressing any particular critic directly.
What’s Next For Tulsa King
Scarlet’s expanded role arrives as part of Tulsa King’s upcoming Season 4, which will see her character take on greater involvement in the show’s central criminal enterprise. The series has already been renewed for a fifth season, which is set to move its setting to New York.
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