Sylvester Stallone is not backing down from criticism that he gave his daughter a role in his hit crime drama “Tulsa King” simply because of their family ties.
The 80-year-old actor, who stars as New York mobster Dwight “The General” Manfredi in the Paramount+ series, cast his daughter Scarlet Rose Stallone, 24, as Spencer, a character who becomes more deeply involved in the family’s criminal operation this season. The show follows Manfredi as he tries to build a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after years in prison.
Asked about accusations of nepotism, Stallone pushed back firmly, according to USA Today.
“First, they go, ‘Nepotism is terrible.’ I said, ‘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.'”
He went further, dismissing the criticism outright.
“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.”
Stallone laughed as he made the comments, but also drew a line between being handed an opportunity and actually succeeding in it.
“Can they maintain that level of excellence? That’s out of our hands.”
Scarlet first appeared on “Tulsa King” in its debut season and takes on an expanded storyline in season four. She is one of three daughters Stallone shares with his wife, Jennifer Flavin, along with Sophia and Sistine.
The toll of a long career
While promoting the new season, Stallone also spoke with Fox News Digital about the physical damage he’s sustained over decades of doing his own stunts, particularly during his work on “The Expendables” franchise.
“I have been injured many, many times, but after ‘Expendables,’ I ended up with nine back operations, three neck fusions. Both shoulders ripped out. It’s been brutal.”
Looking back, Stallone said he now regrets taking on so much of the physical risk himself rather than relying on professional stunt performers.
“Don’t. Don’t. Let the pro do it.”
He was blunt in assessing his younger self’s choices.
“I think I’m an idiot for doing that. I’m proud that I broke myself in pieces? Like, duh, no.”
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