Sylvester Stallone Fires Back at Nepotism Critics Over Daughter Scarlet's 'Tulsa King' Role

Sylvester Stallone has never been shy about saying what he thinks, and his latest response to nepotism critics is proof. After casting his 24-year-old daughter Scarlet Rose Stallone in“Tulsa King,”the actor pushed back at the backlash by calling critics“idiots”and defending the tradition of parents helping their children. Scarlet plays Spencer, a role that debuted in Season 1 and becomes much larger in Season 4 as her character gets further into the family’s criminal operation.

Stallone’s argument is refreshingly direct: good parents want the best for their kids, so of course they give them every advantage they can. His follow-up was the honest part. He said whether children can maintain that level of excellence is ultimately out of a parent’s hands, which means Scarlet’s performance is really the only argument that matters going forward. The conversation also touched on the physical toll of his action career. Stallone revealed he has undergone nine back operations and three neck fusions after decades of doing his own stunts.

The story lands at the intersection of two conversations people never get tired of: the nepotism debate in Hollywood and the price of fame on the body. Stallone shares daughters Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet with wife Jennifer Flavin, and now the whole family name is on the line with Season 4. Does a parent opening the door cheapen the achievement, or does the work still have to speak for itself?