Sylvester Stallone Says Daughter’s ‘Tulsa King’ Casting is ‘Of Course’ Nepotism: ‘Obviously We Let Them Have Every Advantage’

Sylvester Stallone has heard the nepotism allegations, and frankly, he doesn’t care.

Stallone’s real-life daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, co-stars with him as Spencer in “Tulsa King,” and takes on a larger role in the family business and on-screen for Season 4. Recently, Stallone acknowledged his daughter’s privilege and criticized people’s complaints about her casting.

“First they go, ‘Nepotism is terrible,’” he told USA Today. “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 added, “‘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.’”

While his career may have helped his daughter land the role, he says she still has to prove herself.

“Can they maintain that level of excellence? That’s out of our hands,” he said. “But if you can open the door, we’ll see if they have the ability to go through it. It might be a question of, ‘Now how do I get out of this?’ Be careful what you wish for.”

In “Tulsa King,” Stallone plays mob boss Dwight “The General” Manfredi, who is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving 25 years in prison. After their Season 1 introduction, Stallone’s daughter returns in Season 4 as a former barista turned horse caretaker and stablehand at Fennario Ranch (hired by Manfredi).

Season 4 of the Paramount+ series “Tulsa King” premiered on Oct. 16, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays at midnight PT.