Sylvester Stallone has defended his decision to cast his daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, in the Paramount+ crime drama Tulsa King, openly acknowledging that her role reflects nepotism in Hollywood. The 80-year-old actor responded bluntly to criticism of the practice during an interview, arguing that parents naturally want to give their children every possible advantage.
'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 said.
His comments come as Scarlet, 24, takes on a larger role in the fourth season of Tulsa King, which stars her father as Dwight 'The General' Manfredi, a New York mobster attempting to establish a criminal operation in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Stallone Defends Helping His Children
Stallone addressed criticism of nepotism by challenging the idea that parents should avoid using their professional connections to help their children. 'First they go, 'Nepotism is terrible,' he said, explaining how he responds to those who object to the practice.
The actor argued that putting children first is a natural part of parenting and said helping them access professional opportunities is one way to support their ambitions. His remarks reflect a broader debate within the entertainment industry about so-called 'nepo babies', a term commonly used to describe people whose family connections help them enter competitive fields such as acting, music and fashion. Stallone acknowledged that his daughter benefited from the opportunity to appear in Tulsa King but said maintaining a successful career ultimately depends on individual ability.
Scarlet Stallone's Bigger Tulsa King Role
Scarlet plays Spencer in Tulsa King, appearing as a character who becomes involved in Dwight Manfredi's world. Her character was introduced in the first season and initially had a recurring role. In the fourth season, Spencer becomes more involved in Manfredi's criminal operation, giving Scarlet a more prominent role in the series.
Stallone's position as the show's lead actor and executive producer has also drawn attention to the family connection behind her casting. The series follows Manfredi after his release from prison and his relocation to Tulsa, where he works to build his criminal empire. The programme blends organised-crime storylines with the relationships Manfredi builds with the people who become part of his operation.
Stallone Says Talent Determines Long-Term Success
Despite defending his decision, Stallone acknowledged that his children must demonstrate their own abilities if they want to sustain successful careers. 'Can they maintain that level of excellence? That's out of our hands,' he said.
He also recognised that critics might believe his daughter had an easier route into the industry because of her family background. 'People will say, "She got that job, it's too easy." You're right. Perhaps it could be,' Stallone said.
He added that maintaining a career and performing in front of millions of viewers ultimately depends on whether someone can succeed. 'But to maintain that, to be in front of millions of people, you either got it or you don't,' he said.
Scarlet Stallone on Working With Her Father
Scarlet has also spoken about working alongside her father on Tulsa King. In an interview, she said the series changed their relationship, letting them spend more time together and build a closer bond.
How ‘Tulsa King’ Bonded Scarlet Rose Stallone and Dad SylvesterScarlet Rose Stallone opens up about working alongside dad Sylvester on 'Tulsa King,' while chatting with ET at the season 4 premiere. The actress shares how the series has changed her relationship with her dad and what fans can expect from her character, including a potential new romance, as the show returns on Paramount+.
Posted by Entertainment Tonight on Friday, October 16, 2026
'We've grown as friends. We've really become friends. We really got to know one another and really respect each other throughout this whole process, through the ups and downs,' Scarlet said.
She also described working with her father as an opportunity to get to know him differently, beyond their relationship at home. The series has therefore given Scarlet the chance to work alongside an established Hollywood actor while building her own on-screen experience.
