A remarkable story is unfolding regarding a set of secret Sylvester Stallone tapes that were destroyed and a big-money payout to cover up a harrowing story of abuse. 

The New York Post initially reported the payout - $2 million plus $16,666.66 per month for life, and $50,000 a year for psychiatric and medical bills - was agreed with his half-sister, Toni-Ann Filiti, who alleged that the on-screen legend abused her. 

Now, it would appear, according to confidential settlement documents, a set tapes, which allegedly contained conversations between Filiti - who passed away in August - and Stallone.

"This is to acknowledge receipt from you of a total of six cassette tapes, four of which contain conversations between you and your older half-brother who we are referring to as S.," reads a letter made to Filiti by her attorneys. 

"You understand that in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement between you and S., I and your father are required to destroy all tapes."

Stallone's mother, Jackie, 91, vigorously denies any wrongdoing from her son, claiming that, "This was nothing more than a shakedown. Toni-Ann was on 65 OxyContin [a high-strength painkiller] pills a day, and she threatened Sylvester. A drug addict will do anything. Sylvester was trying to help her. He caved in. At the time he was very hot and his lawyers said, 'Give her something just to shut her up'."

A spokesman for Stallone - following the party line - said: "Unfortunately, celebrities, politicians and athletes frequently find themselves the targets of blackmail efforts by family members and associates who fabricate claims in order to extort payments from them."