"Of course it's nepotism": Sylvester Stallone defends the occupation of his own daughter

Sylvester Stallone has openly acknowledged that casting his daughter in his own television series constitutes nepotism, arguing that such favoritism is a fundamental aspect of parenthood. The 80-year-old actor defended the decision during an interview with USA Today, stating that parents who do not leverage their influence to help their children fail in their primary duty. He dismissed criticisms of the practice, asserting that he would provide every possible advantage to his offspring because they are his top priority. Stallone’s comments address the role of his youngest daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, in the Paramount+ crime drama Tulsa King. The 24-year-old actress portrays the character Spencer, a position she has held since the series premiered in 2022. In the current fourth season, which began airing on October 16, her character receives significantly more screen time. Within the narrative, Spencer works as a horse caretaker and stable hand at the Fennario Ranch. She is hired by Dwight "The General" Manfredi, the mafia boss played by Stallone himself. The actor admitted that critics are correct to assume his famous surname benefited his daughter during the hiring process. "People will say, 'She got the job, that’s too easy,' " Stallone said. "You’re right. Maybe it could be." However, he distinguished between obtaining a role and maintaining it before a massive audience. He noted that while he can open doors, he cannot guarantee whether his daughter possesses the necessary talent to walk through them. "Either you have it or you don’t," he stated, warning that one should be careful what one wishes for regarding professional longevity. Stallone serves not only as the lead actor in Tulsa King but also as an executive producer. The series follows Manfredi, a New York mobster who is banished to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving 25 years in prison. There, he attempts to build a new criminal empire with an unconventional group. The show was created by Taylor Sheridan, known for Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923. It has maintained consistent ratings, holding a 7.9 score on IMDb, 86 percent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, and 66 out of 100 on Metacritic. The second season previously achieved 100 percent positive scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Scarlet is the youngest of three daughters Stallone shares with his wife, Jennifer Flavin. Her sisters are Sophia and Sistine, both of whom work in the entertainment industry. Stallone also has two sons, Seargeoh and Sage, from his first marriage to Sasha Czack. Sage died in 2012 at the age of 36 due to a heart condition. Recent interviews and Stallone’s biography have explored his difficult childhood and relationship with his own parents. He described growing up under constant criticism, noting that his parents and neighbors treated him as inferior. This personal history contrasts with his current approach to parenting, where he views providing advantages as essential. Critics within the industry frequently debate the phenomenon of "nepo babies," referring to children of celebrities who enter show business with inherent advantages regardless of individual talent. Reviews of Scarlet’s performance have been mixed but generally lean positive, with some observers noting a lack of refinement while acknowledging her progress. The actor emphasized that ultimate success in the industry rests on individual merit rather than familial connections. While he accepts the label of nepotism, he frames it as a natural parental instinct to protect and promote one’s family. The ongoing discussion highlights the tension between perceived fairness in hiring practices and the reality of established networks in Hollywood. As the fourth season progresses, audiences will continue to evaluate whether the character development aligns with the actor’s assertion that talent ultimately determines career survival.