Sylvester Stallone recounts traumatic experience in psychiatric ward in new memoir

Sylvester Stallone has shared an account of his time in a psychiatric ward where he claims a fellow patient attempted to assault him. In his upcoming memoir, "The Steps," set to be released on September 29, Stallone reflects on his challenging childhood and teenage years. In a profile published by the New York Times, Stallone described attending a high school that punished misbehaving students by sending them to a facility known as Park Lodge or the Snake Pit. He characterized the building as appearing like an old Tudor home from the 1920s, but inside, he described it as chaotic and unsanitary. Stallone stated that he spent two weeks in the facility and was attacked by another patient, whom he referred to as "Jay Bird." He described Jay Bird as a large, hairless man who was often naked and had rotten teeth. Stallone recounted an incident where he was confronted by Jay Bird in the bathroom, leading to an assault. He claimed that two guards intervened and restrained Jay Bird. Upon returning to school, Stallone mentioned that the principal inquired if he had learned a lesson from the experience. Stallone responded that he learned he was resilient, stating, "I learned a lot more than that lesson. A much better lesson: You can’t break me." The New York Times also contacted Stallone’s high school for a response, and a spokesperson expressed respect for Stallone's right to share his story, while apologizing for any trauma he recalls. Additionally, Stallone discussed his difficult relationship with his parents and his struggles with steroid use and bulimia during the preparation for the film "Rocky III."