Sylvester Stallone, the renowned actor and creator of the beloved Rocky series, commemorated the inaugural Rocky Day in Philadelphia on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
This event marked the 47th anniversary of the debut of the original Rocky film in 1976, a movie that garnered three Oscars and propelled Stallone to worldwide stardom.
At 77 years old, Stallone made an appearance at the Parkway Visitor Center near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he introduced a new Rocky-themed store offering memorabilia and merchandise from the iconic film franchise.
Additionally, with the support of Mayor Jim Kenney, Stallone played a role in establishing December 3 as Rocky Day in Philadelphia through a city resolution.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the celebration took a contentious turn as Stallone seized the opportunity to respond to Meghan Markle, the former actress and wife of Prince Harry, who had previously disparaged his films as “whack” and intended solely for children.
Known for his candid and provocative viewpoints, Stallone did not mince words when expressing his disapproval of Markle, who has been embroiled in various controversies and legal battles since stepping back from the royal family in 2020.
In front of a gathering of fans and journalists, Stallone criticized Markle for her derogatory remarks about his work, labeling her as a “whack actress” who lacks appreciation for quality cinema.
He suggested that Markle should confine herself to fairy tales and leave the portrayal of authentic narratives to proficient actors.
Markle’s critique, articulated during a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, where she dismissed Stallone’s Rocky and Rambo series as violent, macho, and outmoded, incited a backlash from Stallone’s admirers and colleagues in the entertainment industry, who extolled his movies as timeless classics and sources of inspiration.
Responding to Markle’s comments on social media, Stallone denounced her as “ignorant” and “arrogant,” asserting that she failed to grasp the artistry and impact of films like Rocky and Rambo on audiences worldwide.
The feud between the two celebrities was reignited by Stallone’s latest retort to Markle on Rocky Day, even though they have never crossed paths in person.
While Markle, presently residing in California with Prince Harry and their children, has yet to address Stallone’s remarks, Stallone expressed his pride and gratitude for commemorating Rocky Day in Philadelphia, the city where he filmed many of his cinematic works.
He conveyed his appreciation to his devoted fans for their enduring support and loyalty, emphasizing that their unwavering dedication motivates his creative endeavors.
Stallone concluded by expressing his aspiration to continue producing films in the future, hoping that audiences will derive as much pleasure from watching them as he derives from crafting them.
Related Stories
